As gases condense to form liquids, the particles __________ energy. What word completes this sentence?

As gases condense to form liquids, the particles release energy.

When a gas transitions to a liquid state, such as during condensation, the molecules lose kinetic energy due to the decrease in temperature. This loss of energy allows the attractive forces between the molecules to take precedence over their motion, leading them to come closer together and form a liquid. This process is exothermic, meaning it releases heat into the surrounding environment. For example, when water vapor in the air cools down, it releases energy in the form of heat, and this cooling can lead to the formation of dew or condensation on surfaces.