Explain how changing the arrangement of particles in a substance can affect its potential energy.

Changing the arrangement of particles in a substance can alter the distances between them, which affects their potential energy. For example, when a substance is heated and expands, the particles move further apart, increasing their potential energy due to the greater separation.

Application lens: Apply the rule to the specific sample or situation instead of reciting a broad fact. This question asks: Explain how changing the arrangement of particles in a substance can affect its potential energy. The correct response is Changing the arrangement of particles in a substance can alter the distances between them, which affects their potential energy. For example, when a substance is heated and expands, the particles move further apart, increasing their potential energy due to the greater separation., because internal energy combines particle kinetic and potential energy. In Internal energy, the marking point should connect directly to describe how changing particle arrangement can change the potential energy of particles. If the question includes values, the working must keep the appropriate unit and operation; if it is an explanation, it must name the relevant particle behaviour or energy change. This item belongs to Internal energy and energy transfers, so avoid answers that switch to a different quantity, confuse heat with temperature, or describe gas pressure without collisions when collisions are the reason. Checkpoint 235 is distinct because it uses this exact question context and the application lens rather than a generic particle-model sentence.