Which of the following properties is associated with the melting of a solid?

The property associated with the melting of a solid is that particles gain more energy. During the melting process, solid particles are subjected to heat, which increases their thermal energy. This energy causes the particles to vibrate more rapidly, overcoming the forces holding them in their fixed positions. As the temperature rises, the energy provided makes it possible for the particles to break free from their structured arrangement, allowing them to transition into a liquid state.

In the context of melting, it is essential to understand that as solids gain energy, the kinetic energy of the particles increases, which facilitates this phase change. The other properties mentioned do not accurately describe what happens during melting. For example, particles do not decrease in speed; rather, they increase in speed due to the added energy. Bonds typically do not become stronger during melting; instead, the energy applied weakens interactions allowing the solid to transition to a liquid form. While particles do move further apart as they change from a solid to a liquid, this is a consequence of the energy gained rather than the defining characteristic of melting. Therefore, the process is primarily driven by the increase in energy among the particles.