What happens to the average kinetic energy of gas as it gets warmer?

The average kinetic energy of gas particles is directly related to the temperature of the gas. As the temperature of a gas increases, the kinetic energy of its particles also increases. This relationship is grounded in the kinetic molecular theory, which states that gas particles are in constant motion, and their kinetic energy is proportional to the temperature measured in Kelvin.

When the temperature rises, it means that the particles are absorbing energy, causing them to move faster. As a result, the average speed—and consequently, the average kinetic energy—of the gas particles increases. This is why the correct answer indicates that as the gas gets warmer, its average kinetic energy also increases.

The other responses do not align with the principles of gas behavior: a decrease in kinetic energy contradicts the expected behavior with increased temperature, remaining the same overlooks the direct correlation between kinetic energy and temperature, and the notion of kinetic energy becoming negative is not applicable within the context of physical systems, as kinetic energy is always a positive value for real particles in motion.