Study Notes: States of Matter, Heat & Kinetic Energy

Law of Conservation of Energy

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.

Temperature

A measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a sample.

Kinetic Energy Relationship

At higher temperatures, particles move with higher average kinetic energy.

Spontaneous Heat Transfer

Heat energy flows from a higher-temperature object to a lower-temperature object until thermal equilibrium is reached.

True Solids

Crystalline solids have their particles ordered in a definite geometric pattern.

Particle Movement in Solids

Particles in a solid are tightly packed and constantly vibrating in fixed positions.

Particle Behavior in Gases vs. Solids

Gas particles spread out to fill their container, while solid particles remain closely packed.