As something gets hotter, the speed of its particles generally increases. When a substance absorbs heat energy, the added energy causes the particles (atoms or molecules) to move more rapidly. This increase in the kinetic energy of the particles typically results in an increase in their speed. Consequently, in solids, the particles vibrate more vigorously, while in liquids and gases, the particles move more freely and collide more frequently. This increase in particle motion can lead to changes in the state of the substance, such as melting or boiling, as the temperature continues to rise.
Heat is the energy of moving particles. As something gets hotter, what happens to the speed of particles in that substance?
1 answer