Question

a scientist heats a container with a gas in it. if the gas does not change state, what happens to it when thermal energy is added? a. its temperature remains the same, but the speed of its particles and the distance between them decreases. b. its temperature remains the same, but the energy causes the particles to spread farther apart. c. its temperature increases, as does the speed of its particles and the distance between them. d. its temperature decreases, as does the speed of its particles and the distance between them.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall kinetic - molecular theory

When thermal energy is added to a gas and it doesn't change state, the internal energy of the gas increases.

Step2: Understand temperature and particle motion

Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles. An increase in thermal energy means an increase in the average kinetic energy of the gas particles, so the temperature increases.

Step3: Analyze particle speed and distance

As the kinetic energy of the particles increases, the speed of the particles increases. Also, the increased - energy particles move more vigorously and spread farther apart.

Answer:

C. Its temperature increases, as does the speed of its particles and the distance between them.