What happens to the average kinetic energy of particles when a substance is heated (Changes of state and specific latent heat)

The correct answer is It increases.

Cause lens: Name the cause, then state the effect on particles, pressure, density, or energy. This question asks: What happens to the average kinetic energy of particles when a substance is heated (Changes of state and specific latent heat). The correct response is It increases, because the particle model explains the observable property using particles. In Changes of state and specific latent heat, the marking point should connect directly to apply MS 4a and MS 4c skills when interpreting graphs of temperature against time. 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 436 is distinct because it uses this exact question context and the cause lens rather than a generic particle-model sentence.