Which statement best describes the relationship between temperature and the motion of molecules in matter?

• A. As temperature increases, molecules move faster.
• B. Temperature does not affect the speed of molecular motion.
• C. As temperature decreases, molecules move faster.
• D. As temperature increases, molecules move slower.

Answer: (A)

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 kinetic energy is directly related to the speed of molecular motion; higher kinetic energy means molecules move faster.
3. Recognize that when temperature increases, the average kinetic energy of molecules increases, causing them to move faster.
4. Conversely, when temperature decreases, the average kinetic energy decreases, and molecules move slower.
5. Therefore, the correct relationship is: as temperature increases, molecules move faster.