Question

A thermometer is taken from warm water and then switched into cold water. What would take place to the molecules of the liquid inside the thermometer after this happens?

A) The red liquid would contract and the red liquid molecules would slow down.
B) The red liquid would expand and the red liquid molecules would slow down.
C) The red liquid would expand and the red liquid molecules would speed up.
D) The red liquid would contract and the red liquid molecules would speed up.
E. There is not enough information to be able to say what would happen.

Answer 1

When transferred from warm to cold water, the red liquid in a thermometer contracts, and the molecular motion slows down due to decreased temperature.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a thermometer is taken from warm water and placed into cold water, the molecules of the liquid inside the thermometer will undergo a series of changes. As most substances, including the alcohol or mercury in a thermometer, contract when the temperature decreases, the red liquid inside the thermometer will contract as well. Additionally, due to the temperature drop, the molecules of the red liquid will slow down, which is characteristic of a decrease in molecular kinetic energy. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is: A) The red liquid would contract and the red liquid molecules would slow down.