Question

question 3. when a gas is heated, what happens to the average kinetic energy of its particles? a. the average kinetic energy increases, leading to faster movement of the particles. b. the average kinetic energy decreases, causing the particles to move slower. c. the average kinetic energy remains constant regardless of temperature changes. d. the average kinetic energy becomes irrelevant when the gas is heated.

Explanation:

According to the kinetic - molecular theory of gases, the average kinetic energy of gas particles is directly proportional to the temperature (in Kelvin). When a gas is heated, its temperature increases. As temperature ($T$) is related to the average kinetic energy ($\overline{KE}$) by the formula $\overline{KE}=\frac{3}{2}kT$ (where $k$ is the Boltzmann constant), an increase in temperature leads to an increase in the average kinetic energy of the particles. This increase in kinetic energy means the particles move faster.

Answer:

A. The average kinetic energy increases, leading to faster movement of the particles.