A block of ice at its melting point is left on a table in the atmosphere and observed to melt gradually. Which of the following statements is true about the melting process?
A. the reaction force of the table on the ice breaks the ice into water molecules B. heat extracted from the ice block makes the ice block cold C. the ice block absorbs heat from the atmosphere and its temperature rises D. the atmosphere absorbs heat from the ice block and its temperature falls E. the ice block absorbs heat from the atmosphere and its temperature remains constant as it melts