Exploring Temperature and Energy: Answers to Common Questions

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In summary, it is stated that if there are inter-molecular attractive forces (such as in water), there will be molecular potential energy. A decrease in the average separation distance between molecules will reduce the average potential energy of the molecules.
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Clara Chung
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1.If temperature is just a measurement of KE, can a system with higher temperature contains lower internal energy than a system with lower temperature?
2.Can energy flow from an object with higher temperature to an object with lower temperature even if the internal energy of the object with a lower temperature is higher?
3. It is said that the gas passing through compressor will result in decrease on its molecular PE, what does molecular PE refer to?
 
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Clara Chung said:
1.If temperature is just a measurement of KE, can a system with higher temperature contains lower internal energy than a system with lower temperature?
Yes. Temperature is a measure of the average translational KE of the molecules in the system. Internal energy is the sum of the KE (all modes, translational, rotational, vibrational) + the total PE of all molecules in the system. Internal energy is a function of the number of molecules and the average KE and PE of its molecules. Temperature is just a function of the average translational KE per molecule.
2.Can energy flow from an object with higher temperature to an object with lower temperature even if the internal energy of the object with a lower temperature is higher?
Yes. Temperature difference always determines the direction of heat flow.
3. It is said that the gas passing through compressor will result in decrease on its molecular PE, what does molecular PE refer to?
If there are inter-molecular attractive forces (such as in water), there will be molecular potential energy. A decrease in the average separation distance between molecules will reduce the average potential energy of the molecules.

AM
 
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Clara Chung said:
1.If temperature is just a measurement of KE, can a system with higher temperature contains lower internal energy than a system with lower temperature?
Temperature is not just a measurement of KE, though KE per degree of freedom is a close approximation under many conditions.

A huge block of ice contains more internal energy than a tiny candle flame.
2.Can energy flow from an object with higher temperature to an object with lower temperature even if the internal energy of the object with a lower temperature is higher?
Heat will flow from candle flame to ice block.
 
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jbriggs444 said:
Temperature is not just a measurement of KE, though KE per degree of freedom is a close approximation under many conditions.

A huge block of ice contains more internal energy than a tiny candle flame.

Heat will flow from candle flame to ice block.
I have figured out the questions. Thanks for all your help
 

1. What is temperature and how is it measured?

Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance. It is measured using a thermometer, which typically uses the expansion or contraction of a liquid or gas to indicate the temperature.

2. How does temperature affect energy?

Temperature and energy are closely related. As the temperature of a substance increases, the average kinetic energy of its particles also increases. This means that more energy is being transferred between particles, resulting in a higher overall energy level.

3. What is heat and how is it different from temperature?

Heat is a form of energy that is transferred between objects due to a temperature difference. While temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of particles in a substance, heat is the actual energy being transferred between those particles.

4. How does energy transfer occur in different states of matter?

In solids, energy is transferred through vibrations and collisions between particles. In liquids, energy is transferred through the movement and collisions of particles. In gases, energy is transferred through random collisions between particles.

5. How do changes in temperature affect the behavior of matter?

Changes in temperature can cause substances to change states, such as melting or boiling. They can also affect the rate of chemical reactions and the density and volume of a substance. Additionally, temperature changes can impact the physical properties of a substance, such as its color or texture.

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