The kinetic energy of gas molecules is directly related to the temperature of the gas.
- In the kinetic molecular theory of gases, the average kinetic energy of the gas particles depends only on the absolute temperature (Kelvin), not on the type of gas.
- As temperature increases, the particles move faster, meaning their average kinetic energy increases.
- If the temperature decreases, their motion slows down, so the average kinetic energy decreases.
In simple words:
Higher temperature → faster moving molecules → higher kinetic energy.
Lower temperature → slower moving molecules → lower kinetic energy.