What describes the energy transfer of thermal energy in boiling water?

In the context of boiling water, the correct understanding revolves around the behavior of water molecules as the temperature increases. During the boiling process, water is heated to its boiling point, where it begins to change from liquid to gas. This transition involves a significant transfer of energy.

As water reaches its boiling point, thermal energy causes the water molecules to move faster, which means they gain kinetic energy. The increased kinetic energy allows them to overcome intermolecular forces, transitioning from the liquid phase to the gaseous phase as steam. This process occurs because the thermal energy supplied to the water increases the motion of the molecules, leading to the bubbling and eventual evaporation seen during boiling.

Thus, the correct response reflects that water molecules gain kinetic energy as thermal energy is applied during boiling. This increased kinetic motion is critical for understanding how heat transfers in fluids and the physical changes associated with phase transitions.