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The movement of a molecule is determined by its energy state, with that molecule moving from a higher to a lower energy state.

A) True
B) False

User Wrobel
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Final answer:

A) True. Molecules generally move from a higher energy state to a lower energy state, with factors like temperature and density influencing this movement and heavier molecules moving slower than lighter ones.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that a molecule moves from a higher energy state to a lower energy state is generally true. The movement of molecules and their consequent energy states are vital aspects of thermodynamics and kinetics in chemistry. When molecules move, they can undergo changes in position, which is often associated with transitions between energy levels. For instance, molecules in a system where heat is introduced (increase in temperature) gain kinetic energy and start moving more rapidly. Conversely, if the system loses heat (decrease in temperature), the kinetic energy of the molecules decreases, leading to less motion.

In a scenario where a piston is being pushed by molecules due to heating, the molecules with the highest temperature will 'bounce' off their neighbors, transferring energy and gradually settling into a new equilibrium state. This process demonstrates that molecules tend to move towards a state of lowest possible energy, which is an inherent tendency of all systems, not just chemical ones, further underscoring the concept of entropy.

Overall, heavier molecules will move slower than lighter molecules, and factors such as temperature, density, and distance between molecules influence their movement, as described by the kinetic theory of gases for substances in the gaseous state.

User Shiv
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