Use the table to answer the question.

Question

Sample 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?

(1 point)
Responses

L, M, N
L, M, N

M, L, N
M, L, N

N, M, L
N, M, L

N, L, M
N, L, M
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Answer 1

The average kinetic energy of the water molecules is directly related to the temperature of the water samples. The sample with the highest temperature will have the greatest average kinetic energy, while the sample with the lowest temperature will have the least.

From the table:

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

Ordering the samples from greatest to least temperature (and therefore greatest to least average kinetic energy):

1. M (88 ºC)
2. L (40 ºC)
3. N (21 ºC)

Thus, the correct order from greatest to least average kinetic energy is: M, L, N.