When the sides of the joint are far apart, the particles have more kinetic energy than they do when the sides are closer together. Option B.
When the sides of the joint are far apart, as during warm weather, the bridge particles exhibit higher kinetic energy. Temperature influences particle motion; warmer conditions increase kinetic energy.
Conversely, when the sides are close together during cooler weather, particle kinetic energy decreases. This phenomenon aligns with the principles of thermal expansion and the kinetic theory of matter, where particle movement intensifies with rising temperature.
Therefore, option B is correct, reflecting the correlation between the bridge joint's expansion, particle spacing, and kinetic energy in response to varying temperatures.