Question

a student places three balloons in different environments: one in a freezer, one in a classroom, and one in direct sunlight. after several minutes, the balloon in the freezer shrinks, while the balloon in sunlight expands. which statement best explains these observations?
a. the gas particles in the cold balloon move faster and spread out.
b. the gas particles in the warm balloon move faster and spread farther apart, increasing the balloons size
c. the gas particles in all three balloons have the same motion regardless of temperature
d. the air inside the cold balloon gains energy and increases in motion.

Explanation:

According to the kinetic - molecular theory of gases, when the temperature of a gas increases (as in the balloon in sunlight), gas particles gain kinetic energy. This causes them to move faster and spread farther apart, which increases the volume of the gas (balloon expands). When the temperature decreases (as in the balloon in the freezer), gas particles lose kinetic energy. They move slower and get closer together, so the volume of the gas (balloon) shrinks.

• Option A: In a cold balloon (freezer), gas particles move slower, not faster. So this option is incorrect.
• Option B: When the balloon is warm (sunlight), gas particles move faster and spread apart, increasing the balloon's size. This is in line with the kinetic - molecular theory of gases.
• Option C: Gas particle motion is affected by temperature. Particles in a warmer environment move faster than those in a colder environment. So this option is incorrect.
• Option D: In a cold balloon (freezer), the air (gas) inside loses energy, and particle motion decreases. So this option is incorrect.

Answer:

B. The gas particles in the warm balloon move faster and spread farther apart, increasing the balloon’s size