I have a question regarding temperature and the kinetic energy of molecules

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between temperature and the kinetic energy of molecules or atoms. Participants explore whether high temperature increases kinetic energy or if high kinetic energy leads to an increase in temperature, delving into concepts of thermal energy and molecular motion.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that temperature is a measure of the internal energy of an object.
  • One participant notes that a drop of liquid helium traveling at high speed can have significant kinetic energy while maintaining a low temperature.
  • Another participant emphasizes that temperature and kinetic energy are not the same, suggesting that thermal energy relates to the random internal motions of particles, which have a range of velocities.
  • It is mentioned that the relationship between molecular motion and macroscopic motion is complex, particularly in the context of heat engines and thermodynamics.
  • A participant suggests that the original question may need modification to account for these complexities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between temperature and kinetic energy, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the need for clarity regarding definitions and the interplay between microscopic and macroscopic concepts, which may not be fully addressed in the initial question.

seonjunyoo
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Does the high temperature increase the kinetic energy of molecules or atoms, or does the high kinetic energy of atoms or molecules increase the temperature ?

I'm so curious about this. Which concept is more accurate between the two
 
Science news on Phys.org
A drop of liquid helium flying through intergalactic space at 0.6 c has a lot of KE, but has low temperature.
 
seonjunyoo said:
Does the high temperature increase the kinetic energy of molecules or atoms, or does the high kinetic energy of atoms or molecules increase the temperature ?

I'm so curious about this. Which concept is more accurate between the two
Temperature and kinetic energy are not actually the same thing. The thermal energy of an object relates to the random, internal motions in the object. The particles will have a range of velocities about a mean velocity (which is the velocity of the Centre of Mass of the object) it's the relative velocities of the particles which tells you that proportion of the kinetic energy corresponding to temperature. The velocity of the CM of the object accounts for the (translational) kinetic energy of the whole thing.

In the case of moving hot gases, it may not be obvious where one begins and the other ends - which is what the thermodynamics of steam engines and turbines is about: where microscoic and macroscopic ideas come together. Heat engines start with molecular motion and deliver macroscopic motion. Your original question needs modification to take this into account.
 

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