Question

In which of these samples do the molecules have the greatest kinetic energy?

solid ice (-25 °C)

water vapor (102°C)

ice water (0°C)

liquid water (54°C)

Answer 1

The temperature of water is indicative of the amount of kinetic energy it contains. As water loses kinetic energy, its molecules will move slower and the water will cool down. When the water gains kinetic energy, its molecules will move faster and the water will heat up.

Since we're comparing four different samples of water we're only concerned with which sample is the hottest, so the answer is going to be water vapor at 102°C