What happens to the potential energy of particles when their arrangement changes (Internal energy)

The correct answer is It increases.

Boundary lens: Keep this separate from nearby specification points that use similar words but test a different idea. This question asks: What happens to the potential energy of particles when their arrangement changes (Internal energy). The correct response is It increases, 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 238 is distinct because it uses this exact question context and the boundary lens rather than a generic particle-model sentence.