According to the kinetic molecular theory, how are temperature and the average kinetic energy of gas particles related?

• A. The average kinetic energy of gas particles increases as temperature increases.
• B. Temperature and average kinetic energy of gas particles are unrelated.
• C. The average kinetic energy of gas particles decreases as temperature increases.
• D. The average kinetic energy of gas particles remains constant regardless of temperature.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the kinetic molecular theory explains the behavior of gas particles, including their motion and energy.
2. Understand that temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance.
3. Use the relationship given by the kinetic molecular theory: the average kinetic energy (KE) of gas particles is directly proportional to the absolute temperature (T) in kelvins.
4. Express this relationship mathematically as \(\text{KE}_{\text{avg}} = \frac{3}{2} k_B T\), where \(k_B\) is the Boltzmann constant and \(T\) is the temperature in kelvins.
5. Conclude that as temperature increases, the average kinetic energy of gas particles also increases, meaning they move faster on average.