Which of the following particles in a gas sample possesses kinetic energy?

• A. Each individual gas molecule
• B. Only the molecules with the highest velocity
• C. None of the molecules in the gas
• D. Only the molecules at absolute zero temperature

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the definition of kinetic energy: it is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. For a particle, kinetic energy is given by the formula \(KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2\), where \(m\) is the mass and \(v\) is the velocity of the particle.
2. Understand that gas molecules are in constant random motion at temperatures above absolute zero, meaning each molecule has some velocity and therefore some kinetic energy.
3. Recognize that the kinetic energy of gas molecules varies because their velocities differ, but no molecule in a gas at a temperature above absolute zero is completely at rest (velocity zero).
4. Note that at absolute zero temperature, theoretically, all molecular motion stops, so kinetic energy would be zero for all molecules, but this is an idealized state not achievable in practice.
5. Conclude that since every individual gas molecule is moving (except at absolute zero), each molecule possesses kinetic energy, not just the fastest ones or none at all.