According to the Kinetic Theory an increase in temperature causes the kinetic energy of particles to

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks what happens to the kinetic energy of particles when temperature increases, according to the Kinetic Theory of matter.

Step 2: The concept The Kinetic Theory says that all matter is made of tiny particles (atoms, molecules, or ions) that are in constant motion. The key link is this:

• The average kinetic energy of particles is directly proportional to the absolute temperature (in Kelvin).
• Mathematically: KE ∝ T

So temperature is really a measure of how much kinetic energy the particles have on average.

Step 3: Apply it

• When you heat a substance, you supply energy to its particles.
• The particles move faster (vibrate more in solids, move more quickly in liquids and gases).
• Faster movement means higher kinetic energy.

Checking the options:

• A. decrease: This would happen if temperature fell, not rose.
• B. increase: Correct. Higher temperature means faster particles and more kinetic energy.
• C. be zero: Kinetic energy is zero only at absolute zero (0 K, or -273°C), which is a very low temperature, not a high one.
• D. remain constant: This would only be true if temperature did not change.

Step 4: Answer The kinetic energy of the particles increases.

Exam tip: Remember "Hot = Fast". More heat gives faster particles and more kinetic energy. This idea also explains related JAMB topics: why gases expand when heated (Charles' Law), why diffusion is faster at higher temperatures, and why reaction rates increase with temperature.