Question

Since temperature is a measure of the average speed of the atoms and molecules in a substance, higher temperatures correspond to ___________ average speeds. What is this subtype of kinetic energy referred to?

a) Increased; Thermal energy
b) Decreased; Mechanical energy
c) Decreased; Thermal energy
d) Increased; Mechanical energy

Answer 1

Higher temperatures correspond to increased average speeds of atoms and molecules, which is referred to as thermal energy, making option a) the correct choice.

Step-by-step explanation:

Since temperature is a measure of the average speed of the atoms and molecules in a substance, higher temperatures correspond to increased average speeds. This subtype of kinetic energy is referred to as thermal energy. The correct answer is a) Increased; Thermal Energy.

According to the kinetic-molecular theory, temperature is related to the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance. As the kinetic energy increases, so does the temperature, indicating the particles are moving more rapidly. Thermal energy is the kinetic energy associated with the random motion of these atoms and molecules.