Thermal Energy and Particle Motion

Questions and Answers

What happens to the particle motion of a substance when thermal energy is added?

The particle motion increases as the particles gain kinetic energy and move more rapidly.

How does the temperature of a substance change when thermal energy is removed?

The temperature decreases as the particles lose kinetic energy and move less vigorously.

What is the relationship between thermal energy removal and changes in state for a pure substance?

Removing thermal energy can cause a substance to change from a gas to a liquid or from a liquid to a solid.

Describe what occurs at the molecular level during melting when thermal energy is added.

<p>As thermal energy is added, the particles vibrate faster until they overcome intermolecular forces and transition to a liquid state.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does increasing temperature have on the state of a pure substance?

<p>Increasing temperature generally leads to a transition from solid to liquid to gas as thermal energy is absorbed.</p> Signup and view all the answers