Question

a thermometer is placed in water in order to measure the waters temperature. what would cause the liquid in the thermometer to rise?
the molecules in the water move closer together.
the molecules in the thermometers liquid spread apart.
the kinetic energy of the water molecules decreases.
the kinetic energy of the thermometers liquid molecules decreases.

Explanation:

When the temperature of the liquid in the thermometer increases, the kinetic - energy of its molecules increases. As a result, the molecules spread apart due to increased motion, causing the liquid to expand and rise in the thermometer. When the molecules in the water move closer together, it usually indicates a decrease in temperature. A decrease in the kinetic energy of water or thermometer liquid molecules would not cause the liquid in the thermometer to rise.

Answer:

The molecules in the thermometer's liquid spread apart.