What process refers to the transition from liquid to solid state?

The process that refers to the transition from a liquid to a solid state is known as freezing. This occurs when the temperature of a liquid is lowered to its freezing point, causing the molecules to slow down and arrange themselves into a solid structure. For example, when water reaches 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit), it begins to freeze and turn into ice. This transition involves the release of energy as the liquid's particles lose kinetic energy and form solid bonds.

In contrast, other processes discussed in the options pertain to different phase changes. Evaporation is the transition from liquid to gas, melting involves the transition from solid to liquid, and condensation refers to the change from gas to liquid. Each of these processes highlights a specific change in states of matter, but freezing is distinct in its focus on transforming a liquid into a solid. This understanding of freezing is crucial in various fields, including meteorology, environmental science, and chemistry, especially concerning the behavior of substances as temperature changes.