Question

Which is true with respect to the kinetic energy of a molecule?

A.it is the lowest at low temperatures
B.It increases at low temperatures
C.It is the same at ali temperatures
D. It is the lowest at high temperatures

Answer 1

A) it is the lowest at low temperature. The Molecular Kinetic Theory describes the behavior of the gases in terms of the motion of the particles. It makes several assumptions about the size, the motion and the kinetic energy of the particles (molecules). Given that the kinetic energy, KE, is KE = m * v^2 / 2 and that the speed of the particles is higher at higher temperatures and lower to lower temperatures, you conclude the the kinetic energy of a molecule is the lowest at low temperature.