The atoms and molecules in a liquid are in constant motion. As temperature decreases, what is true of the particles in the liquid?

the rate of particle movement decreases

the distance between the particles decreases

the attraction between the particles decreases

the potential energy of the particles decreases

Answer: the rate of particle movement decreases.

Explanation:

1) Heat energy or just heat is the kinetic energy of particles (molecules) transferred from a warmer substance (liquid, solid or gas) to a cooler one.

2) Temperature is a measure of the kinetic energy of the particles (molecules) in a substance.

The higher the temperature the higher the kinetic energy; the lower the kinetic energy the lower the temperature.

This is stated by this equation: Average kinetic energy = [3/2]K T.

4) You also must know that kinetic energy is the energy related to motion (speed) according to the equation:

Kinetic energy = [1/2]mass * (speed) ².

Therefore, from the two equations, using transitivity property, you see that the lower the temperature the lower the speed, which is what lets you to conclude that as temperature decreases in the liquid the rate of particle movement decreases.

The rate of particle movement decreases. A direct effect of this is the decrease in particle distance.