Energy and Temperature Flashcards

Flashcards covering thermal energy, temperature scales, heat transfer, and the kinetic-molecular theory.

Thermal / Internal Energy

The TOTAL amount of energy in all the molecules of a substance.

Temperature

The AVERAGE amount of energy of molecules in a substance.

Heat

The TRANSFER of energy from one object to another because of a difference in temperature.

Thermal Equilibrium

When two objects/substances in contact with each other reach the same temperature.

Fahrenheit (freezing and boiling)

Water freezes at 32 F; boils at 212 F.

Celsius (freezing and boiling)

Water freezes at 0 C; boils at 100 C.

Kelvin (freezing and boiling)

Water freezes at 273.15 K; boils at 373.15 K.

Absolute Zero

The coldest possible temperature where a substance would have zero internal energy, equal to -273.15 C or -459.69 F; can never be reached.

Temperature (related to molecule speed)

Part of an object, how fast molecules move.

Heat (related to energy flow)

Energy transfer BETWEEN objects, naturally flows from higher to lower.

Kinetic-Molecular Theory

All molecules are constantly moving/vibrating in random directions.

Molecular Speed and Energy

Slower, cooler molecules have lower kinetic energy; faster, hotter molecules have higher kinetic energy.

Elastic Collisions

Molecules collide with each other in elastic collisions, which means kinetic energy is not lost, only transferred.