Chapter 1-5 Lecture Notes Review: Kinetic Theory, Theory vs Law, Atoms, and Mass-Energy

15 practice flashcards covering kinetic energy, theory vs. law, atoms, and mass-energy concepts from the provided lecture notes.

Which has higher kinetic energy: the hot coffee molecules or the cold ones?

Hot coffee molecules; energy transfers to cooler molecules via collisions.

In the coffee-and-milk example, how does energy transfer occur?

Through collisions from higher kinetic energy coffee molecules to lower kinetic energy milk molecules.

What is temperature directly related to in kinetic theory?

The average kinetic energy of the molecules.

What should you include in the reasoning part of a scientific explanation?

The cause or mechanism and how the evidence supports the claim.

What is the difference between a scientific theory and a law?

A theory explains the phenomenon; a law describes what happens.

Is gravity a theory or a law according to the lecture notes?

Gravity is a law (gravitational law), not a theory.

What is the smallest unit of an element?

An atom.

What are the three main subatomic particles mentioned?

Protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Which forces are mentioned as balancing to hold an atom's shape?

Electrostatic and strong nuclear forces.

What percentage of the universe's mass-energy is made of atoms?

About 5%.

What accounts for the remaining 95% of the universe's mass-energy?

Dark matter and dark energy.

Between a cell and a molecule, which is generally bigger?

A cell is generally bigger, though frame of reference can affect comparisons.

What example is used to discuss long molecules and frame of reference in Chapter 5?

Rubber (polymer) and long molecules; apparent length depends on frame of reference.

What is a key practice this course emphasizes for exams and presentations?

Practicing scientific explanations that connect evidence to claims, including short-answer questions.