Question

Which of the following has highest kinetic energy?

• A. Particles of ice at $0°C$
• B. Particles of water at $0°C$
• C. Particles of water at 100$°C$
• D. Particles of steam at $100°C$

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Particles of steam at $100°\mathrm{C}$

Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by the molecules of a substance by virtue of its motion.

The explanation for the correct option:

Particles of steam at $100°\mathrm{C}$ will have the highest kinetic energy as the particles and are in the gaseous state now. Hence, intermolecular space is high in the particles.

The explanation for the incorrect option:

A. Particles of ice at $0°\mathrm{C}$ will not have the highest kinetic energy because ice is solid and solids have the lowest kinetic energy and it is at$0°\mathrm{C}$.

B. Particles of water at $0°\mathrm{C}$ will not have the highest kinetic energy because water is liquid in state and the molecules in a liquid state do not possess the highest kinetic energy when compared to gases.

C. Particles of water at $100°\mathrm{C}$ will not possess the highest kinetic energy as the particles are still in the liquid state.

Hence the correct option is D.