If heat is a measure of the mean kinetic energy of the particles of a substance, then how does compressing it increase its temperature, since compression squishes the particles of a substance closer together, theoretically limiting movement?

Question

If heat is a measure of the mean kinetic energy of the particles of a substance, then how does compressing it increase its temperature, since compression squishes the particles of a substance closer together, theoretically limiting movement?

In: Physics

Answer 1

I think the most important part everyone including OP is missing here is that we are absolutely not told whether the compression is isothermic, isobaric or adiabatic.

A gas will behave is totally different ways in all the 3 forms of compression.

Eg. Isothermic expansion maintains constant temperature throughout the compression making your question invalid.