According to the kinetic molecular theory, what is the most likely consequence if the molecules in a gas increase their speed?

• A. The gas molecules will occupy less volume.
• B. The pressure of the gas will increase if the volume is constant.
• C. The number of gas molecules will increase.
• D. The temperature of the gas will decrease.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the kinetic molecular theory, which states that gas pressure results from collisions of gas molecules with the walls of the container.
2. Understand that if the speed of gas molecules increases, their kinetic energy increases, leading to more frequent and more forceful collisions with the container walls.
3. Recognize that if the volume of the gas is held constant, these more frequent and forceful collisions will cause an increase in pressure.
4. Note that the volume of the gas does not decrease simply because molecules move faster; volume is determined by the container in this context.
5. Conclude that increasing molecular speed at constant volume leads to an increase in gas pressure, not a change in the number of molecules or a decrease in temperature.