# Explain what happens to the internal energy of steam as it condenses into liquid water at 100 °C.

> AQA GCSE Physics (8463) — 4.3.2 Internal energy and energy transfers · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Internal energy decreases / is reduced during condensation
2. Energy is released / given out to the surroundings during condensation
3. The temperature does not change during condensation / remains at 100 °C
4. The potential energy of the particles decreases as particles move closer together / intermolecular forces change (kinetic energy stays the same)

## Key terms

- [internal energy](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/internal-energy)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Physics (8463)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-what-happens-to-the-internal-02271337) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.