Which of the following best describes the effect of increasing thermal energy on the atoms or molecules in a sample of matter?

• A. The atoms or molecules lose mass.
• B. The atoms or molecules move slower and their kinetic energy decreases.
• C. The atoms or molecules stop moving completely.
• D. The atoms or molecules move faster and their kinetic energy increases.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that thermal energy is related to the kinetic energy of atoms or molecules in a sample of matter.
2. Recall that increasing thermal energy means adding heat to the system, which affects the motion of particles.
3. Know that kinetic energy of particles is directly proportional to their temperature, so as thermal energy increases, particles move faster.
4. Recognize that atoms or molecules do not lose mass when thermal energy increases; mass remains constant.
5. Conclude that increasing thermal energy causes atoms or molecules to move faster and their kinetic energy to increase.