Which statement correctly describes the relationship between thermal energy and particle movement?
A. As thermal energy increases, there is less particle movement
B. As thermal energy increases, it is not possible to predict particle movement
C. As thermal energy increases, particle movement does not change
D. As thermal energy increases, there is more particle movement
D. As thermal energy increases, there is more particle movement
D. As thermal energy increases, there is more particle movement
To determine the correct statement that describes the relationship between thermal energy and particle movement, we need to understand the concept of thermal energy and its effect on particles.
Thermal energy refers to the overall energy possessed by the particles in a substance. The movement of particles, on the other hand, is related to their kinetic energy, which is a form of energy associated with their motion.
According to the kinetic theory of matter, particles are constantly in motion. As the thermal energy of a substance increases, so does the kinetic energy of its particles. Therefore, the correct statement that describes the relationship between thermal energy and particle movement is:
D. As thermal energy increases, there is more particle movement
Explanation: When thermal energy is added to a substance, its particles gain more kinetic energy and move faster. This increase in thermal energy causes the particles to vibrate, rotate, and translate more vigorously, resulting in greater particle movement. Conversely, as thermal energy decreases, particles have less kinetic energy, leading to a decrease in their movement.
In summary, an increase in thermal energy corresponds to an increase in particle movement, making statement D the correct choice.