Question

which will decrease the kinetic energy (energy of motion) of water molecules?

remove some of the water

add heat

adding more water

place the water in the freezer

Explanation:

To determine which action decreases the kinetic energy of water molecules, we analyze each option:

• Removing some water: This affects the amount of water but not the motion of individual molecules. Kinetic energy per molecule remains unchanged.
• Adding heat: Adding heat increases the temperature, which increases the kinetic energy of molecules as they move faster.
• Adding more water: Similar to removing water, this changes the quantity but not the motion of each molecule's kinetic energy.
• Placing water in the freezer: A freezer lowers the temperature. Temperature is related to the average kinetic energy of molecules; lower temperature means lower kinetic energy as molecules slow down.

Answer:

D. Place the water in the freezer