Which action happens to the microscopic particles of a substance as the temperature of the substance increases as it boils from a liquid to a gas? explain
a
Kinetic energy of the particles increases, and electrostatic forces decrease, causing particles to spread further apart.
b
Kinetic energy of the particles decreases, and electrostatic forces increase, pulling particles closer together.
c
Kinetic energy of the particles decreases, and electrostatic forces decrease, causing particles to spread further apart.
d
Kinetic energy of the particles increases, and electrostatic forces increases, pulling particles closer together.
a
As the temperature of a substance increases and it boils from a liquid to a gas, the kinetic energy of the particles increases. This means that the particles move faster and have more energy to overcome the intermolecular forces that hold them together. At the same time, the electrostatic forces between the particles decrease. These electrostatic forces are attractive forces that exist between the positively charged nuclei and the negatively charged electrons of neighboring particles. As the temperature increases, the particles move faster, and the electrostatic forces become less effective in holding the particles together. Therefore, the particles spread further apart.