A decrease in temperature affects the speed of gas molecules in what way?

A decrease in temperature leads to a reduction in the kinetic energy of gas molecules. Kinetic energy is directly related to the temperature of a substance; as temperature decreases, the energy of the molecules also decreases. This reduction in energy causes the molecules to move slower than they would at a higher temperature.

Gas particles are in constant motion, and their speed is influenced by how much energy they possess. At lower temperatures, the lower kinetic energy means that the molecules collide less often and with less force, contributing to the overall decrease in their speed. This behavior is consistent with the principles outlined in the kinetic molecular theory, which explains the movement and energy of gas particles.