High School Can High Temperature Exist in Intense Gravitational Fields?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that high energy within an atom does not equate to high temperature, particularly in intense gravitational fields. Temperature is defined by the average kinetic energy of particles, not merely the total energy present. The vibrations of atoms, while relevant in some contexts, are not necessary for defining heat, as demonstrated by ideal gas particles that move in random straight lines. The self-gravitational forces within atoms are negligible compared to electric and strong nuclear forces, further emphasizing that high energy does not imply high temperature.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamics and temperature concepts
  • Knowledge of atomic structure and forces (electric and nuclear)
  • Familiarity with kinetic and potential energy distinctions
  • Basic principles of ideal gas behavior
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the relationship between kinetic energy and temperature in thermodynamics
  • Explore the implications of gravitational fields on atomic behavior
  • Study the differences between potential and kinetic energy in physical systems
  • Investigate the properties of ideal gases and their motion characteristics
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of thermodynamics, and anyone interested in the effects of gravitational fields on atomic and thermal properties.

shivakumar
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Sir, heat is proportional to the vibration of atoms. If the vibration of atom is restricted to large extent due to intense gravitational field but has high quantity of total energy in the atom then does it mean it has high tempearture like the stars?
 
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Heat refers, so to speak, to thermal energy in transit. You can talk about the total energy inside a system, but it would be meaningless to ask how much heat is in a system. One can only discuss how much heat entered or left a system.
 
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shivakumar said:
heat is proportional to the vibration of atoms.
No. See what @Lord Jestocost said in Post #1 about heat.

Also, 'vibrations' are not necessary. E.g. the particles in an ideal gas doe not vibrate. They move in random straight lines (bouncing off the container walls and each other).

shivakumar said:
If the vibration of atom is restricted to large extent due to intense gravitational field
The self-gravitational forces inside an atom (if that is what you mean) are incredibly small - totally negligible compared to the electric forces and the strong nuclear forces.

shivakumar said:
but has high quantity of total energy in the atom then does it mean it has high tempearture like the stars?
No.

High energy does not mean high temperature. The temperature of a system of particles depends on the average kinetic energy (of random motion) of the particles.

You can have have a cold object that contains a lot of energy - if the energy is mainly potential (not kinetic).
 

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