As the temperature of air increases, do the particles in the air move faster or slower?

• A. The speed of air particles does not change with $\mathrm{temperature}$.
• B. The air particles move faster as $\mathrm{temperature}$ increases.
• C. The air particles move slower as $\mathrm{temperature}$ increases.
• D. The air particles stop moving at higher $\mathrm{temperature}$s.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of particles in a substance.
2. Recall the kinetic theory of gases, which states that the average kinetic energy of gas particles is directly proportional to the absolute temperature (in Kelvin).
3. Use the formula for the average kinetic energy of a particle: \(\langle KE \rangle = \frac{3}{2} k_B T\), where \(k_B\) is Boltzmann's constant and \(T\) is the temperature in Kelvin.
4. Recognize that as temperature \(T\) increases, the average kinetic energy \(\langle KE \rangle\) increases, meaning particles move faster on average.
5. Conclude that the speed of air particles increases as the temperature of the air increases.