When steam is converted into water, internal energy of the system

The correct answer is Decreases.

Key Points

• When steam condenses into water, it undergoes a phase change from gas to liquid, releasing latent heat in the process.
• This release of latent heat leads to a decrease in the internal energy of the system.
• The internal energy of a system is directly related to the kinetic and potential energy of its molecules; in the liquid state, molecules have lower energy than in the gaseous state.
• The process of condensation is exothermic, meaning energy is released to the surroundings during the phase change.
• This decrease in internal energy does not affect the temperature of the water until the phase change is complete.

Additional Information

• Internal Energy:
  • Internal energy is the sum of the kinetic and potential energies of the molecules in a system.
  • It depends on the state of matter (solid, liquid, gas) and temperature.
  • In gases, molecules have higher kinetic energy compared to liquids or solids.
• Latent Heat:
  • Latent heat is the energy absorbed or released during a phase change without a change in temperature.
  • In condensation, latent heat is released as the system transitions from gas to liquid.
• Phase Change:
  • A phase change is the transformation of matter from one state to another, such as from solid to liquid or liquid to gas.
  • Common phase changes include melting, freezing, vaporization, condensation, sublimation, and deposition.
• Exothermic and Endothermic Processes:
  • Exothermic processes release energy to the surroundings (e.g., condensation, freezing).
  • Endothermic processes absorb energy from the surroundings (e.g., evaporation, melting).