---
title: "A student passes steam through a metal coil immersed in a cooler water bath. Inside the coil, the steam changes from \\(\\text{H}_2\\text{O(g)}\\) at \\(100^\\circ\\text{C}\\) to \\(\\text{H}_2\\text{O(l)}\\) at \\(100^\\circ\\text{C}\\), and the temperature of the water bath increases.  Which statement correctly classifies the condensation and explains the associated energy transfer?"
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url: "https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/119408/"
date_modified: "2026-08-19T12:40:11+00:00"
---

# A student passes steam through a metal coil immersed in a cooler water bath. Inside the coil, the steam changes from \(\text{H}_2\text{O(g)}\) at \(100^\circ\text{C}\) to \(\text{H}_2\text{O(l)}\) at \(100^\circ\text{C}\), and the temperature of the water bath increases.

Which statement correctly classifies the condensation and explains the associated energy transfer?

A student passes steam through a metal coil immersed in a cooler water bath. Inside the coil, the steam changes from \(\text{H}_2\text{O(g)}\) at \(100^\circ\text{C}\) to \(\text{H}_2\text{O(l)}\) at \(100^\circ\text{C}\), and the temperature of the water bath increases.

Which statement correctly classifies the condensation and explains the associated energy transfer?

- **A.** The condensation is exothermic because the average kinetic energy of the \(\text{H}_2\text{O}\) molecules decreases during the phase change.
- **B.** The condensation is exothermic because stronger intermolecular attractions lower the potential energy of the \(\text{H}_2\text{O}\) molecules, transferring energy to the surroundings.
- **C.** The condensation is endothermic because the \(\text{H}_2\text{O}\) molecules must absorb energy to overcome intermolecular attractions as they enter the liquid phase.
- **D.** The condensation is endothermic because stronger intermolecular attractions lower the potential energy of the \(\text{H}_2\text{O}\) molecules, transferring energy to the surroundings.

*The answer key and step-by-step explanation are available to logged-in users at https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/119408/*