The average molecular kinetic energy of a gas is related to which of the following properties?

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Get ready for the UCF PSC1121 Physical Science Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Boost your exam readiness with our resources!

The average molecular kinetic energy of a gas is directly related to its temperature. In kinetic molecular theory, temperature is defined as a measure of the average kinetic energy of the molecules in a substance. As the temperature increases, the molecules move more rapidly, resulting in higher kinetic energy.

This relationship is fundamental in thermodynamics and is expressed by the equation ( KE = \frac{3}{2} kT ), where ( KE ) is the average kinetic energy, ( k ) is the Boltzmann constant, and ( T ) is the absolute temperature in Kelvin. Thus, understanding this connection helps explain how changes in temperature affect the motion and energy of gas molecules, which in turn influences properties like pressure and volume but not directly density or viscosity.