Answer:
(3) Potential energy increases and average kinetic energy remains the same
Explanation:
The heating curve shows the change in temperature and state of a material from solid to gaseous state as energy is added. When a material is heated, either its kinetic or potential energy are increased. When applied energy (usually in the form of heat) causes an increase in kinetic energy, there is an increase in temperature of the material. When the additional energy is used in overcoming inter-molecular forces (change of state), it is an increase in potential energy.
When looking at a heating curve, the slanted portions represent an increase in temperature where kinetic energy increases while potential energy remains constant. The flat areas of the heating curve where temperature is constant shows phase change during which potential energy increases and kinetic energy remains constant.
A-B: Solid material experiencing increase in temperature
B-C: Phase change from solid to liquid (melting)
C-D: Liquid material experiencing increase in temperature
D-E: Phase change from liquid to gas(vaporization)
E-F: Gaseous material experiencing increase in temperature