Question

which statement best explains why heating a liquid affects its viscosity?
the molecules move faster at higher temperatures and overcome attractions more easily.
the molecules move faster at higher temperatures, and the attractions between them increase.
the molecules move slower at higher temperatures and overcome attractions more easily.
the molecules move slower at higher temperatures, and the attractions between them decrease.

Explanation:

Viscosity in a liquid depends on how easily molecules can slide past one another. When heated, liquid molecules gain kinetic energy, moving faster. This increased motion lets them overcome the intermolecular attractive forces more readily, reducing the liquid's viscosity. The other options incorrectly state molecular speed decreases or intermolecular attractions increase with heat, which contradicts kinetic molecular theory.

Answer:

The molecules move faster at higher temperatures and overcome attractions more easily.