When atoms are heated, which of the following best describes what happens to them?

• A. They lose electrons and become negatively charged.
• B. Their kinetic energy increases, causing them to move more rapidly.
• C. Their nuclei split into smaller particles.
• D. They stop vibrating and become stationary.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that heating atoms primarily affects their energy, specifically their kinetic energy, which is the energy associated with motion.
2. Recall that when atoms are heated, the added energy causes the atoms or molecules to move faster, increasing their kinetic energy rather than changing their charge or nuclear structure.
3. Recognize that losing electrons to become negatively charged is incorrect because losing electrons would make atoms positively charged, and heating alone does not typically cause ionization in this context.
4. Know that nuclear splitting (fission) requires nuclear reactions, which do not occur simply by heating atoms under normal conditions.
5. Conclude that atoms do not stop vibrating or become stationary when heated; instead, their motion increases due to the rise in kinetic energy.