How does the motion of the particles change when thermal energy is added

When thermal energy is added, the motion of particles increases.

This can be thought of when thinking of a gas. We know that a gas includes particles that move fast and are spaced far apart from each other. On the opposite side of the spectrum, we know that a solid includes particles that are closely packed together with limited movement.

Using those examples, we know that a solid usually occurs at colder temperatures (with low thermal energy), and gases occur at warmer temperatures (with high thermal energy).

Therefore, when thermal energy is added, particle motion increases.