(a) How does the average kinetic energy of molecules com- pare wi...

Question

(a) How does the average kinetic energy of molecules com- pare with the average energy of attraction between mole- cules in solids, liquids, and gases?

Accepted Answer

Hey everyone, we're asked to determine which of the particles have an equal average energy of attraction. An average kinetic energy 1st. Let's go ahead and analyze these. Looking at our solid particles, we know that these particles are fixed. So the attraction is going to be stronger than our kinetic energy. So A can't be our answer for liquid particles. We know that these particles move, but they are very close to one another. So the attraction is going to be equal to our kinetic energy. So it looks like B is going to be our answer. But let's go ahead and assess C for gas particles. We know that these particles move and they are far from one another. So the attraction is going to be weaker than the kinetic energy. So our final answer here is our liquid particles which have an equal average energy of attraction and average kinetic energy. Now I hope that made sense. And let us know if you have any questions.

(a) How does the average kinetic energy of molecules com- pare with the average energy of attraction between mole- cules in solids, liquids, and gases?

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