Depending on the temperature, water in the atmosphere falls as rain, snow, hail, or sleet. Cold temperatures slow down water particles, causing them to release heat energy.If enough heat energy is released, water freezes and the water particles change from a(n) liquid into a(n) solid. During warm temperatures, water particles absorb heat energy and move faster. When water particles absorb enough heat energy, ice and snow melt. This means that the water particles change from a(n) solid to a(n) liquid.