When matter is heated, what happens to the particles within it?

• A. The particles move faster and their kinetic energy increases.
• B. The particles stop moving completely.
• C. The particles decrease in size and lose energy.
• D. The particles are converted into energy.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that matter is made up of particles such as atoms or molecules, which are always in motion to some extent.
2. Recall that heating matter means adding thermal energy to it, which affects the motion of these particles.
3. Know that when particles gain thermal energy, their kinetic energy increases, causing them to move faster.
4. Recognize that particles do not stop moving completely when heated; instead, their motion intensifies.
5. Conclude that heating matter results in particles moving faster and having higher kinetic energy, rather than decreasing in size or being converted into energy.