When the kinetic energy of molecules overcomes the intermolecular forces, the process that most likely takes place is boiling.
Here's why:
1. Boiling occurs when the kinetic energy of the molecules increases enough to overcome the intermolecular forces holding them together.
2. As the molecules gain energy, they start moving faster and farther apart, breaking free from their liquid state to form a gas.
3. This process is characterized by the formation of bubbles throughout the liquid as it transitions into a vapor state.
4. Boiling is a phase transition that occurs at a specific temperature known as the boiling point, where the vapor pressure of the liquid equals the atmospheric pressure.
In summary, boiling is the process where molecules gain enough kinetic energy to break free from the intermolecular forces holding them together, transitioning from a liquid to a gas state.