What is the relationship between water temperature and the solubility of gases?

The correct response highlights that gases are more soluble in cold water compared to warm water. This behavior can be attributed to the kinetic energy of the molecules involved. When water is colder, the molecules move more slowly, allowing gas molecules to interact more favorably with the water and thus stay dissolved. Conversely, as the temperature increases, the kinetic energy of both the water and gas molecules increases, leading to more vigorous movement. This increased movement allows gas molecules to escape from the water into the air more easily, resulting in lower solubility.

Understanding this relationship is crucial for various applications, such as aquatic life health, which relies on dissolved oxygen levels in water, as temperature fluctuations can significantly impact those levels.