In which example do the particles in water have the most kinetic energy?
1) a heated swimming pool
2) a cube of ice
3) steam rising from a kettle
4) a glass of refrigerated water
3) steam rising from a kettle
In this case, the example where the particles in water have the most kinetic energy would be 3) steam rising from a kettle.
To determine which example has the particles in water with the most kinetic energy, we need to understand what kinetic energy is. Kinetic energy refers to the energy associated with the motion of an object or particles.
In this case, we are comparing water in different states: liquid, solid, and gas. The kinetic energy of water particles is directly related to their temperature. The higher the temperature, the greater the kinetic energy.
Let's examine each example to determine which one has the highest temperature and, therefore, the most kinetic energy:
1) A heated swimming pool: If the swimming pool is heated, the water molecules will absorb heat energy, which will increase their kinetic energy. Therefore, the particles in the heated swimming pool would have a considerable amount of kinetic energy.
2) A cube of ice: Ice is the solid state of water. Since the temperature of ice is below its melting point (0°C or 32°F), the particles in the ice have less kinetic energy compared to the liquid form of water.
3) Steam rising from a kettle: Steam is the gaseous state of water. It is formed when water is heated to its boiling point (100°C or 212°F). During boiling, the water molecules gain additional kinetic energy and transform into steam. Therefore, the kinetic energy of steam is higher compared to liquid or solid water.
4) A glass of refrigerated water: Refrigeration generally lowers the temperature of water. Since temperature and kinetic energy are directly proportional, refrigerated water would have a lower kinetic energy compared to other examples.
Based on these explanations, steam rising from a kettle (option 3) has the particles with the highest kinetic energy since it is formed by heating water to its boiling point.