Question

what is the relationship between the kinetic energy of molecules in an object and the objects temperature?

○ as the kinetic energy of the molecules decreases, the temperature increases.

○ the total kinetic energy of the molecules is not affected by a change in temperature.

○ as the temperature increases, the kinetic energy of the molecules increases.

○ the kinetic energy always increases whether the temperature increases or decreases.

Explanation:

To determine the relationship between molecular kinetic energy and temperature, we use the concept from thermodynamics: temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of molecules. So, when temperature increases, the average (and total, for a fixed mass) kinetic energy of molecules increases, and vice versa.

• The first option is wrong because decreasing kinetic energy should lead to decreasing temperature.
• The second option is wrong as temperature change does affect molecular kinetic energy.
• The fourth option is wrong because if temperature decreases, kinetic energy should decrease, not always increase.
• The third option correctly states that as temperature increases, molecular kinetic energy increases.

Answer:

C. As the temperature increases, the kinetic energy of the molecules increases. (Note: Assuming the third option is labeled as C; adjust the label based on actual question's numbering if different, but the content "As the temperature increases, the kinetic energy of the molecules increases" is the correct choice.)