When the temperature of water increases, what happens to the molecules of the water?

• A. The molecules move slower and have less kinetic energy.
• B. The molecules form stronger hydrogen bonds.
• C. The molecules decrease in size.
• D. The molecules move faster and have greater kinetic energy.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of molecules in a substance.
2. Recall that when the temperature of water increases, the molecules gain energy and move more rapidly.
3. Recognize that increased molecular motion means the molecules have greater kinetic energy, not less.
4. Know that stronger hydrogen bonds form at lower temperatures when molecules move slower, so increasing temperature weakens these bonds.
5. Conclude that as temperature rises, water molecules move faster and have greater kinetic energy, which matches the correct answer.