|
You should be familiar with this type of diagram.
The particles (atoms or molecules) of solids liquids and gases are constantly in motion. The velocity with which a particle moves is a measure of its kinetic energy. The faster the speed, the greater the kinetic energy. For any substance, the particles making up the substance will be have a range of kinetic energy which can be represented by the type of curve in the question (Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution).
As the temperature is increased, the kinetic energy of the particles increases (on average). As temperature is decreased, the kinetic energy of the particles decreases (on average).
|