The potential energy of a molecule increases when it is brought to the surface from the interior of a liquid because

Options

A. At the free liquid surface gravitational potential energy is more
B. Work has to be done to move a molecule to the surface against the repulsive component of the inter molecular forces
C. Work has to de done to move a molecule to the surface against the attraction from other molecules
D. The temperature of the liquid surface is always more than that of the interior of the liquid

Answer

C

Explanation

Liquid molecule inside the liquid stays at minimum energy state. But energy has to be supplied to detach the molecule from sphere of influence, that will be kept by molecule to stay at top known as surface energy.