Chapter 9, Problem 1RAT

Temperature is generally proportional to a substance’s

(a) thermal energy.

(b) vibrational kinetic energy.

(c) average translational kinetic energy.

(d) rotational kinetic energy.

To determine

The correct option for the statement “Temperature is generally proportional to a substance’s”.

Answer to Problem 1RAT

The correct option for the statement “Temperature is generally proportional to a substance’s” is option (c).

Explanation of Solution

A substance is defined as cold or warm based on physical unit temperature. The measure of temperature is done through some standard equipment, such as thermometer, pyrometer and many more.

The temperature of a substance provides information about the motion of the molecules that how fast or slow the molecules are moving. The to-and-fro motion of the molecules provides average translation motion.

So, the temperature of the substance's generally proportional to the average translational kinetic energy. For higher temperatures, molecules have high average translational kinetic energy and vice-versa.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the correct option for the statement “Temperature is generally proportional to a substance’s” is option (c).