Which of the following represents the relationship between temperature and particle motion?

Which of the following represents the relationship between temperature and particle motion?

• A. Higher temperature results in lower particle speed
• B. Lower temperature leads to more collisions
• C. Higher temperature correlates with greater average kinetic energy
• D. Particle speed is unaffected by temperature

Answer: (C)

The relationship between temperature and particle motion is fundamentally linked to the concept of kinetic energy. As temperature increases, the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance also increases. This means that the particles move more rapidly and with greater intensity. Higher temperature translates to higher energy states for the particles, leading to increased motion. This is why when we measure temperature, we are essentially gauging the energy of motion of the particles. In contrast, options that suggest a decrease in particle speed with higher temperature or claim that particle speed is unaffected by temperature are inconsistent with the principles of thermodynamics. Additionally, stating that lower temperatures lead to more collisions ignores the fact that colder environments tend to slow down particle motion, resulting in fewer collisions. Thus, option C accurately captures the direct correlation between temperature and the kinetic energy of particles.

The relationship between temperature and particle motion is fundamentally linked to the concept of kinetic energy. As temperature increases, the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance also increases. This means that the particles move more rapidly and with greater intensity. Higher temperature translates to higher energy states for the particles, leading to increased motion. This is why when we measure temperature, we are essentially gauging the energy of motion of the particles.

In contrast, options that suggest a decrease in particle speed with higher temperature or claim that particle speed is unaffected by temperature are inconsistent with the principles of thermodynamics. Additionally, stating that lower temperatures lead to more collisions ignores the fact that colder environments tend to slow down particle motion, resulting in fewer collisions. Thus, option C accurately captures the direct correlation between temperature and the kinetic energy of particles.