On what does temperature depend ?

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    Temperature
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the factors that influence temperature, specifically whether it is dependent solely on kinetic energy, internal energy, or also on potential energy. Participants explore the relationship between molecular movement and temperature, considering both theoretical and practical implications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether temperature depends on kinetic energy, internal energy, or potential energy of molecules.
  • Another participant provides a definition of temperature as the measurement of average kinetic energy, noting that kinetic energy also depends on mass and speed.
  • A participant suggests that internal energy comprises both kinetic and potential energy, raising the question of whether temperature is influenced only by kinetic energy.
  • There is a consideration of the effects of molecular collisions on heat dissipation and temperature changes.
  • A participant poses a hypothetical scenario about a running person and questions whether this would lead to an increase in temperature, indicating uncertainty about the relationship between movement and temperature.
  • Another participant encourages deeper thinking about the processes occurring in the human body during physical activity, implying complexity beyond simple molecular collisions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the factors influencing temperature, with no consensus reached on whether temperature is solely dependent on kinetic energy or if potential energy plays a role as well. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of physical activity on temperature.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully defined key terms such as internal energy and potential energy, and there are unresolved questions about the relationship between molecular movement and temperature changes.

terryds
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Does temperature depend on the kinetic energy, or internal energy ??
Does it only depend on the movement of the molecules, or also the potential energy of molecules??
 
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What have you already found by searching? You'll get better answers if you tell us more about what you already know.
 
Nugatory said:
What have you already found by searching? You'll get better answers if you tell us more about what you already know.
What I found when I google this question :
"Temperature is the measurement of the average kinetic energy of particles, not just their speed. Recall that kinetic energy depends on mass as well as speed. Particles in a metal doorknob do not move as fast as particles in air."

Internal Energy = Kinetic energy of the molecules + Potential energy of the molecules
So, does this mean it only depend on the kinetic energy which is in the internal energy ??
I thought it's because the collision between molecules that dissipates some heat.
Then, what if a man run very fast? Will the temperature increase? Moving man doesn't mean that the particle move faster, right? (maybe)
 
terryds said:
I thought it's because the collision between molecules that dissipates some heat.

its more than just the collision of molecules ... go even smaller

terryds said:
Then, what if a man run very fast? Will the temperature increase?

think of all the things happening in the human body in such a circumstance ... what do you think they are ?
Dave
 

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