According to the kinetic molecular theory, if enough heat is added to a gas, which of the following would most likely happen?

• A. The gas molecules become larger in size.
• B. The average kinetic energy of the gas molecules increases.
• C. The gas molecules decrease in speed.
• D. The gas changes into a solid.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the kinetic molecular theory, which explains the behavior of gas particles in terms of their motion and energy.
2. Understand that adding heat to a gas increases the energy available to the gas molecules.
3. Recognize that the size of gas molecules does not change with temperature; molecular size is constant.
4. Know that increasing heat causes gas molecules to move faster, thus increasing their average kinetic energy, not decreasing their speed.
5. Remember that gases do not directly change into solids by heating; typically, cooling is required for a gas to become a solid.