Question

How does transferring energy into a substance change the molecules' freedom of movement?

A. It increases the molecules' freedom of movement because the molecules gain kinetic energy and speed.

B. It increases the molecules' freedom of movement because the molecules lose kinetic energy and speed.

C. It decreases the molecules' freedom of movement because the molecules gain kinetic energy and speed.

D. It decreases the molecules' freedom of movement because the molecules lose kinetic energy and speed.

Answer 1

Increasing temperature raises the kinetic energy of molecules, enhancing their freedom of movement. Conversely, decreasing temperature reduces kinetic energy, thus limiting their movement because they are drawn closer by intermolecular forces.

Step-by-step explanation:

When energy is transferred into a substance, it directly affects the freedom of movement of its molecules. For instance, when the temperature increases, the kinetic energy of the molecules also increases, leading to greater motion and distance between the molecules.

The state of a substance is therefore determined by a balance between this kinetic energy, which encourages movement and separation among molecules, and intermolecular forces that attract and draw the molecules closer together. As the temperature decreases, kinetic energy is reduced, dampening the molecules' movement and bringing them closer due to intermolecular forces. Hence, as molecules lose kinetic energy and slow down, their freedom of movement decreases.