Question

The molecules of which of the following would have the most kinetic energy?
A
an ice cube
B
a cold glass of water
C
a warm cup of tea
D
boiling water

Answer 1

The molecules of boiling water (D) would have the most kinetic energy. As temperature increases, the kinetic energy of the molecules increases due to higher thermal motion. Boiling water is at a higher temperature than an ice cube, cold water, or warm tea, which means the molecules in boiling water are moving more vigorously and therefore have the highest kinetic energy.