Difference Between Heat & Agitation - Atomic Scale

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In summary, the conversation discusses the difference between agitation and heat on the atomic scale, particularly in regards to the rate of diffusion when diluting salt in water. While both agitation and heat involve increased movement of molecules, agitation introduces a systematic element that can increase the rate of diffusion near the salt. It is also noted that stirring a liquid with a spoon can actually heat it up, as demonstrated by the experiment done by Joule which showed the equivalence of work and heat. It is mentioned that 4.2 Joules of mechanical energy is needed to produce just one calorie of heat, which in turn can raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1 degree Celsius.
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CuriousBanker
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hello. Simple question here for somebody just learning the basics. On the atomic scale what’s the difference between agitation and heat? For example, diluting salt in water. If you increase the heat of the water, more salt dissolves. Stirring it also makes the salt dissolve more too it seems. But what’s the difference between stirring (agitation I’m guessing is what it’s called) and heat? Both are increased movement of molecules. So how come stirring the glass really fast with a spoon doesn’t Heat it up a lot?
 
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It's a matter of scale. Diffusion depends on the gradient of concentration and it is a random process and it will be faster as you increase the temperature but agitation will move regions of low concentration over the solute and that will increase the rate of diffusion near the salt. You have added a systematic element to the random movements in a stationary liquid.
 
  • #3
CuriousBanker said:
So how come stirring the glass really fast with a spoon doesn’t Heat it up a lot?
It does. That is precisely the experiment that Joule did which showed the equivalence of work and heat. He showed that you could heat up a liquid by stirring it.
 
  • #4
Dale said:
It does. That is precisely the experiment that Joule did which showed the equivalence of work and heat. He showed that you could heat up a liquid by stirring it.
It may be worth noting that the 'Mechanical Equivalent of Heat' that Joule found is that it takes 4.2 Joules of mechanical energy (work) to produce just one calorie of heat,
4.2 J corresponds to lifting 1kg by 0.42 m
1 calorie will raise the temperature of just 1gm of water by 1°C
A lot of Work for a very little Heat. :wink:
 

What is the difference between heat and agitation on an atomic scale?

The main difference between heat and agitation on an atomic scale is that heat is a measure of the total kinetic energy of particles in a substance, while agitation refers to the random motion of individual particles within that substance. Heat can cause agitation, as the increased kinetic energy of particles leads to more movement and collisions between them. However, agitation can also occur without an increase in heat, as it is a natural property of particles at the atomic level.

How do heat and agitation affect the properties of matter?

Heat and agitation can both affect the properties of matter, as they can change the arrangement and movement of particles within a substance. For example, increasing heat can cause a solid to melt into a liquid, as the added energy allows the particles to overcome their attractive forces and move more freely. Similarly, agitation can cause changes in the state of matter, such as when a liquid is stirred and its particles gain enough energy to escape and become a gas.

Can heat and agitation be measured?

Yes, both heat and agitation can be measured using various scientific instruments. Heat is typically measured in joules or calories, while agitation can be measured using units such as frequency or velocity. However, since both heat and agitation are properties at the atomic level, their exact measurements can be difficult and may require advanced techniques and equipment.

What are some examples of when heat and agitation are important in everyday life?

Heat and agitation play important roles in various everyday processes. For example, heat is essential for cooking food, as it increases the temperature of the food and causes chemical reactions to occur. Agitation is also important in many household activities, such as washing clothes, as the movement of the water and particles helps to remove dirt and stains. In industries, heat and agitation are used in processes such as fermentation, chemical reactions, and mixing of ingredients.

How do heat and agitation relate to temperature?

Heat and agitation are closely related to temperature, as temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of particles in a substance. As heat and agitation increase, so does the temperature of the substance. However, it should be noted that temperature is not the same as heat or agitation, as it is a measure of the average rather than the total energy of particles. Additionally, temperature can remain constant while heat and agitation change, as they affect the individual particles rather than the average.

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