Question

how does molecular motion relate to thermal energy?
increased molecular motion leads to increased thermal energy.
thermal energy decreases as molecular motion increases.
thermal energy is generated by the absence of molecular motion.
molecular motion has no effect on thermal energy.

Explanation:

Thermal energy is the total kinetic energy of the particles (molecules) in a substance. As molecular motion (kinetic energy of molecules) increases, the total kinetic energy (thermal energy) of the substance increases. For example, when a substance is heated, its molecules move faster (increased molecular motion) and its thermal energy rises.

Answer:

Increased molecular motion leads to increased thermal energy.