How do the water molecules at higher temperatures compare to those at lower temperatures?

Water molecules at higher temperatures have more kinetic energy, which results in them moving faster compared to those at lower temperatures. This increased motion causes the molecules to spread out more and become farther apart, leading to a decrease in density as water is heated. When thermal energy is added to water, the molecules vibrate more vigorously, overcoming some of the intermolecular forces that keep them closely packed in cooler conditions. Consequently, the correct characterization of water molecules at higher temperatures is that they are farther apart and moving faster, reflecting the principles of thermal expansion and kinetic molecular theory.