Atoms Transferring Kinetic Energy: How Does It Work?

In summary, atoms transfer kinetic energy to each other through the coulomb interaction between their charged components, causing them to move in a certain way depending on the external potential they are in. This transfer does not result in significant changes at the subatomic level.
  • #1
mess
59
8
how do atoms transfer kenetic energy to each other?
 
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  • #2
to revise my question, after more thought.


what happens subatomically to an atom when kenetic energy is given to it.
 
  • #3
When an atom is given KE it moves.

The motion depends on the external potential that the atom is sitting in. In field free space (constant potential) it will just translate at constant velocity. In a harmonic potential, it will oscillate sinusoidally about a mean position.

For the most part this is all that happens - there are no significant changes at the subatomic level.

How do atoms transfer KE to one another ? ...through the coulomb interaction between the charged components of the atoms (the nucleii and electrons).
 

What is Kinetic Energy?

Kinetic Energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion.

What are Atoms?

Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter. They are the smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element.

How do Atoms Transfer Kinetic Energy?

Atoms transfer kinetic energy through collisions. When two atoms collide, they exchange energy and momentum, resulting in a transfer of kinetic energy.

How does Temperature relate to Kinetic Energy?

Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance. As the temperature increases, the particles move faster, resulting in an increase in their kinetic energy.

Why is understanding Atoms Transferring Kinetic Energy important?

Understanding this concept is crucial in many fields, such as thermodynamics, chemistry, and engineering. It helps us understand the behavior of matter and how energy is transferred and transformed in different systems.

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