Question

Which of the following changes made to a sample of liquid will result in an increase in the distance between the individual molecules of the substance?

a) Transferring the substance to a smaller container
b) Adding heat energy to the substance
c) Changing the phase of matter from liquid to solid
d) Decreasing the overall kinetic energy of the liquid

Answer 1

Adding heat energy to a liquid increases the thermal energy and kinetic energy of the molecules, causing them to move faster and further apart, thus increasing the distance between them.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine which change to a sample of liquid will result in an increase in the distance between individual molecules, we should consider the effects of temperature, phase changes, and molecular motion. Adding heat energy to the substance will increase the thermal energy and average kinetic energy (KE) of the molecules, resulting in faster molecular motion. This increased motion tends to push molecules apart, thereby increasing the distance between them.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question is (b) Adding heat energy to the substance. When heat is added, the molecules gain energy and move apart, increasing the distance between them, especially during a phase change from liquid to vapor, which requires significant energy to overcome molecular attraction.