When the air in a column cools, what occurs to the molecules?

When the air in a column cools, the molecules lose kinetic energy, which causes them to move more slowly. When the molecules lose energy, they also come closer together. This happens because the relationships between temperature and molecular motion dictate that lower temperatures equate to slower movements and reduced distances between particles.

In contrast, when air warms, the molecules gain energy, move faster, and can spread apart more, which is the opposite of what occurs during cooling. Therefore, the statement about molecules getting closer together and slowing down accurately describes the behavior of air molecules in a column as the temperature decreases, reflecting the principles of thermodynamics and gas laws.