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What role does temperature play in the motion of particles?

Temperature affects the speed and kinetic energy of particles, causing them to move faster and more randomly at higher temperatures.

In more detail, temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance. Kinetic energy is the energy of motion, so when the temperature of a substance increases, the kinetic energy of its particles also increases. This means that the particles move faster. For example, in a gas, the particles will move around more quickly and collide with each other and the walls of their container more frequently.

In addition to moving faster, particles also move more randomly at higher temperatures. This is because the increased kinetic energy causes the particles to vibrate, rotate, or move in different directions. This random motion is what causes substances to expand when they are heated. For instance, when a metal rod is heated, the particles in the metal vibrate more and take up more space, causing the rod to expand.

Furthermore, the increased motion of particles at higher temperatures can lead to changes in state. For example, if a solid is heated, the particles may gain enough energy to overcome the forces holding them together and move freely, causing the solid to melt and become a liquid. Similarly, if a liquid is heated, the particles may gain enough energy to escape from the liquid and become a gas.

In conclusion, temperature plays a crucial role in the motion of particles. It not only affects the speed at which particles move but also the way they move, leading to changes in the properties and state of substances.

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