Question 8

Heating the gas molecules would most likely make them move faster.

Heating a sample of gas in a container increases the kinetic energy of the gas molecules, causing them to move more rapidly. This increased motion is a direct result of the added thermal energy from heating.

A) Condensing

Condensing a gas involves reducing its volume and increasing its pressure, typically leading to a decrease in kinetic energy and movement of the molecules. Therefore, condensing would not make the gas molecules move faster; it would likely have the opposite effect.

B) Cooling

Cooling a gas decreases its temperature, which in turn reduces the kinetic energy of the gas molecules. As the temperature drops, the molecules slow down, making cooling an ineffective method for increasing their speed.

C) Freezing

Freezing a gas transforms it into a solid state, significantly reducing the movement of molecules. In a solid, molecules are closely packed and vibrate in place rather than moving freely, thus freezing would not increase molecular speed.

D) Heating

Heating a gas is the most effective way to increase the speed of its molecules. As heat is applied, the kinetic energy of the molecules rises, resulting in faster movement and greater molecular collisions.

Conclusion

Heating the gas is the only option that directly increases the kinetic energy and speed of the gas molecules. All other options—condensing, cooling, and freezing—result in decreased movement of the molecules, making them incorrect in the context of the question. Hence, heating is the definitive choice for increasing molecular motion.