How is temperature related to the kinetic energy of a substance?

Answer 1

As heat is added to a system, the molecules move faster and faster. Since kinetic energy is seen as the energy of motion, increasing the temperature, increases kinetic energy.

Think about ice compared to water compared to water vapor. The molecules in ice are very close together and relatively still, but as you add heat (increase the temperature), the molecules begin to move (vibrating,rotating,etc.) and gain kinetic energy. This cause the molecules to push away from each other which is why water vapor takes up more volume than ice.

Answer 2

Great question and important concept in chemistry.

The temperature of a substance is directly related to its kinetic energy. Because kinetic energy is the energy a substance has because of its molecules being in motion, as a substance absorbs heat its molecules move faster, thereby increasing the substance's kinetic energy.

For example, think of a water on placed on the stove. As the water is heated, more energy is transferred to water. Because its kinetic energy has increased, the temperature rises.