Sample

Question

Temperature
(ºC)
L 40
M 88
N 21
The table shows the
temperature of three water
samples. Which list shows
the samples in order from
greatest to least average
kinetic energy of the water
molecules?
L, M, N
N, L, M
N, M, L
M, L, N

Answer 1

The average kinetic energy of water molecules is directly related to the temperature of the water. The higher the temperature, the greater the average kinetic energy.

Based on the temperatures provided:

• Sample L: 40 ºC
• Sample M: 88 ºC
• Sample N: 21 ºC

In order from greatest to least average kinetic energy (i.e., from highest to lowest temperature), the order would be:

M (88 ºC), L (40 ºC), N (21 ºC)

So the correct answer is:

M, L, N