Question

If the temperature of a gas is quadrupled from 40K to 160K, which of the following accurately describes the change in the average kinetic energy of the gas?

A. average kinetic energy is halved.
B. average kinetic energy is unchanged.
C. average kinetic energy doubles.
D. average kinetic energy quadruples.
E. average kinetic energy triples.

Answer 1

When the temperature of a gas is quadrupled from 40K to 160K, the average kinetic energy of the gas quadruples.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the temperature of a gas is quadrupled from 40K to 160K, the average kinetic energy of the gas increases. The average kinetic energy of a gas is directly proportional to the absolute temperature, meaning that as the temperature increases, the average kinetic energy also increases.

In this case, since the temperature is quadrupled, the average kinetic energy will also quadruple. Therefore, the correct answer is D. average kinetic energy quadruples.