Heat: Atoms or Electrons - What Moves?

[linux kid]

Is heat created by the movement of the atoms, or the movement of electrons in each atom, or both?

 

[Hootenanny]

This is a common misconception regarding heat. Heat is the transfer of thermal energy down a temperature gradient. Thermal energy (or internal energy) is the sum total of the kinetic energy and potential energy of the molecules in a system. The kinetic energy includes translational, rotational and vibrational energy levels. The potential energy is associated with the vibrational and electric energy of atoms within molecules (this includes energy stored in the chemical bonds). If the substance is a conducting metal, the internal energy also includes the energy possessed by valance electrons.

Note the differences between heat and thermal energy.

 

[sir-pinski]

Heat is a form of energy that is transferred from one object to another due to a difference in temperature. The movement of atoms and electrons both play a role in the creation of heat.

At the atomic level, heat is created by the random movement of atoms and molecules. As these particles vibrate, they collide with each other and transfer energy, resulting in an increase in temperature. This movement of atoms and molecules is known as thermal energy.

Electrons, which are negatively charged particles, also play a role in the creation of heat. In metals, for example, the movement of free electrons contributes to the conduction of heat. When heat is applied to a metal, the free electrons start to move faster, colliding with other electrons and transferring energy through the material.

In conclusion, both the movement of atoms and the movement of electrons contribute to the creation of heat. The specific contribution of each depends on the material and the process of heat transfer. Therefore, it is not accurate to say that heat is solely created by the movement of atoms or electrons, but rather by the combined movement of both.