A sample of gas has increased in temperature from 20° Celsius to 22° Celsius. Which of the following happens as the temperature of the gas goes up?
A.The gas undergoes a phase change.
B. The velocity of the gas particles decreases.
C.The kinetic energy of the particles increases.
D.An exothermic reaction is more likely to occur.
To determine the correct option, let's analyze each choice:
A. The gas undergoes a phase change: This would mean that the gas changes from one state to another, such as from a gas to a liquid or solid. However, the change in temperature from 20°C to 22°C does not indicate a phase change.
B. The velocity of the gas particles decreases: Typically, as the temperature of a gas increases, the average velocity of its particles also increases. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
C. The kinetic energy of the particles increases: The kinetic energy of gas particles is directly related to their temperature. According to the kinetic theory of gases, the average kinetic energy of gas particles is proportional to the temperature. Thus, when the temperature of a gas increases, its particles gain more kinetic energy. This choice is correct.
D. An exothermic reaction is more likely to occur: The temperature increase alone does not provide information about the likelihood of an exothermic reaction occurring. Without further details, we cannot conclude that an exothermic reaction is more likely to occur. Hence, this choice is incorrect.
Therefore, the correct answer is C. The kinetic energy of the particles increases.