What does an increase in temperature generally lead to in terms of particle movement?

Prepare for the UCF CHM2045C Chemistry Exam 3. Test your knowledge with multiple choice questions, each one providing hints and explanations. Get ready to ace your exam!

An increase in temperature generally leads to increased particle movement because temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance. As the temperature rises, the kinetic energy of the particles increases, causing them to move more vigorously and collide more frequently with one another. This heightened movement is observable in various states of matter; for instance, in gases, particles spread out and move more freely at higher temperatures, while in liquids, the increased energy can lead to faster flow and greater diffusion.

The other options do not accurately reflect this relationship: a decrease in temperature would suggest less movement, no change in temperature would imply no change in motion, and irregular movement does not necessarily relate to temperature changes, as it can occur at varying temperatures depending on the state of the substance. Thus, an increase in temperature indeed correlates with increased particle movement.

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