Temperature/Kinetic Energy Question

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that temperature is defined as the average kinetic energy (KE) of molecules within a substance, measured from a frame where the center of mass of the object is at rest. When a ball is thrown in space, its motion does not increase its temperature, as temperature remains frame-dependent. The kinetic energy gained by the ball's motion is negligible when distributed across its atoms, affirming that temperature does not change due to external motion.

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  • Understanding of kinetic energy and its relation to temperature
  • Familiarity with the concept of reference frames in physics
  • Basic knowledge of molecular motion and thermodynamics
  • Awareness of the principles of classical mechanics
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the fundamental concepts of temperature and kinetic energy in relation to motion and reference frames.

Hyphon
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Just a quick question:

I have always been told that the temperature of a substance was a measurement of the average kinetic energy of the molecules. If I were to throw a ball in space (i.e no air resistance), does this mean the ball now has a higher temperature since it is moving faster and all its molecules have a higher kinetic energy?

Thanks
 
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I suppose the possible difference would be neglible. Divide the KE gain over all the atoms in the ball and you're going to get a really really really small number.
 
No. Temperature is a measure of the average KE of the molecules measured from a frame in which the center of mass of the object is at rest. (Otherwise temperature would be frame dependent.)

You might find this discussion helpful: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=75824
 
Doc Al said:
No. Temperature is a measure of the average KE of the molecules measured from a frame in which the center of mass of the object is at rest. (Otherwise temperature would be frame dependent.)

Damn it. That's what I get for not thinking things through before posting. And it's so obvious too.
 

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