Question detail

What happens to the average kinetic energy of particles when the temperature of a substance increases (Temperature changes in a system and specific heat capacity)

Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.

At a glance

MCQ

Type

practice

Style

Topic

Internal energy and energy transfers

Question

  1. A. It decreases
  2. B. It remains constant
  3. C. It increases
  4. D. It fluctuates

Answer

The correct answer is It increases.

Explanation

Graph lens: Read the trend, flat section, gradient, or axis labels before explaining the physical meaning. This question asks: What happens to the average kinetic energy of particles when the temperature of a substance increases (Temperature changes in a system and specific heat capacity). The correct response is It increases, because specific heat capacity links energy, mass, material and temperature change. In Temperature changes in a system and specific heat capacity, the marking point should connect directly to apply MS 3b and MS 3c skills when rearranging and calculating with the specific heat capacity equation. If the question includes values, the working must keep the appropriate unit and operation; if it is an explanation, it must name the relevant particle behaviour or energy change. This item belongs to Internal energy and energy transfers, so avoid answers that switch to a different quantity, confuse heat with temperature, or describe gas pressure without collisions when collisions are the reason. Checkpoint 351 is distinct because it uses this exact question context and the graph lens rather than a generic particle-model sentence.

Common mistake

Confusing Specific Heat Capacity with Thermal Energy

Students often confuse specific heat capacity with the total thermal energy transferred, thinking they are the same concept.

Remember that specific heat capacity is the energy required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of a substance by one degree Celsius, while thermal energy is the total energy transferred in a process.

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