What type of energy do particles lose when changing from a liquid to a solid state?

When particles transition from a liquid to a solid state, they lose thermal energy. This energy is related to the temperature of the substance and reflects the average kinetic energy of the particles in motion. During the freezing process, as the temperature drops, the kinetic energy of the particles decreases, which allows them to come closer together and form a solid structure, where they vibrate in fixed positions rather than moving freely as in the liquid state.

The correct understanding of the energy change involves recognizing that as the liquid cools, the thermal energy is removed from the system, leading to a reduction in the movement of the particles. Therefore, the type of energy lost in this process is thermal energy, which is critical in explaining the behavior of matter during state changes.

Options relating to potential energy and chemical energy do not accurately describe the energy involved during the phase transition from liquid to solid. Potential energy in this scenario would relate more to position and interactions between particles rather than the form of energy being lost or gained in the transition.