According to the kinetic molecular theory, how is the temperature of an object related to the average kinetic energy of its particles?

• A. The temperature is equal to the total kinetic energy of all particles.
• B. The temperature is inversely proportional to the average kinetic energy of the particles.
• C. The temperature is directly proportional to the average kinetic energy of the particles.
• D. The temperature is unrelated to the average kinetic energy of the particles.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that according to the kinetic molecular theory, the temperature of a substance is a measure of the average kinetic energy of its particles.
2. Understand that kinetic energy for a single particle is given by the formula \( KE = \frac{1}{2} m v^2 \), where \(m\) is the mass and \(v\) is the velocity of the particle.
3. Recognize that temperature is not related to the total kinetic energy of all particles, but rather to the average kinetic energy per particle.
4. Note that as temperature increases, the average kinetic energy of the particles increases proportionally, meaning temperature and average kinetic energy are directly proportional.
5. Therefore, the correct relationship is: \( T \propto \langle KE \rangle \), where \(T\) is temperature and \(\langle KE \rangle\) is the average kinetic energy of the particles.