What occurs in solid when thermal energy is applied?

When thermal energy is applied to a solid, the increase in thermal energy causes the atoms or molecules within the solid to vibrate more vigorously. This continued absorption of energy can lead to a phase change, specifically melting, where the solid transitions into a liquid state. The particles within the solid, which are typically arranged in a fixed and orderly pattern, gain enough energy that they can overcome the attractive forces holding them together as a solid, allowing them to move more freely as they enter the liquid phase.

Thus, the correct response reflects the physical behavior of solids when subjected to increased thermal energy, highlighting the melting process that occurs as the solid changes state.