Question

order the following from hottest to coldest.
images of particle diagrams labeled a, b, c, d
options: cdab, dbac, cabd, dcab

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Kinetic Theory

In the kinetic theory of matter, the temperature of a substance is related to the average kinetic energy of its particles. Higher temperature means particles have more kinetic energy, so they move faster (longer arrows, more vigorous motion); lower temperature means slower movement (shorter arrows, less vigorous).

Step2: Analyze Particle Motion

• D: Longest arrows, most vigorous motion → highest kinetic energy (hottest).
• B: Arrows are longer than A and C, motion is more vigorous than A/C → next.
• A: Arrows are shorter than B/D, more vigorous than C → next.
• C: Shortest arrows, least vigorous motion → lowest kinetic energy (coldest).

So order from hottest to coldest: D, B, A, C → DBAC.

Answer:

B. DBAC