I have a question regarding temperature and the kinetic energy of molecules

In summary, the question relates to the relationship between temperature and the kinetic energy of molecules, highlighting how an increase in temperature typically corresponds to an increase in the average kinetic energy of the molecules in a substance.
  • #1
seonjunyoo
5
1
Does the high temperature increase the kinetic energy of molecules or atoms, or does the high kinetic energy of atoms or molecules increase the temperature ?

I'm so curious about this. Which concept is more accurate between the two
 
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  • #3
A drop of liquid helium flying through intergalactic space at 0.6 c has a lot of KE, but has low temperature.
 
  • #4
seonjunyoo said:
Does the high temperature increase the kinetic energy of molecules or atoms, or does the high kinetic energy of atoms or molecules increase the temperature ?

I'm so curious about this. Which concept is more accurate between the two
Temperature and kinetic energy are not actually the same thing. The thermal energy of an object relates to the random, internal motions in the object. The particles will have a range of velocities about a mean velocity (which is the velocity of the Centre of Mass of the object) it's the relative velocities of the particles which tells you that proportion of the kinetic energy corresponding to temperature. The velocity of the CM of the object accounts for the (translational) kinetic energy of the whole thing.

In the case of moving hot gases, it may not be obvious where one begins and the other ends - which is what the thermodynamics of steam engines and turbines is about: where microscoic and macroscopic ideas come together. Heat engines start with molecular motion and deliver macroscopic motion. Your original question needs modification to take this into account.
 

FAQ: I have a question regarding temperature and the kinetic energy of molecules

What is the relationship between temperature and the kinetic energy of molecules?

Temperature is directly proportional to the average kinetic energy of the molecules in a substance. As temperature increases, the kinetic energy of the molecules also increases, causing them to move faster.

How does temperature affect the speed of molecules?

As temperature increases, the kinetic energy of the molecules increases, which means the molecules move faster. Conversely, at lower temperatures, the kinetic energy decreases and the molecules move more slowly.

Why do molecules move faster at higher temperatures?

Molecules move faster at higher temperatures because they have more kinetic energy. Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the molecules, so higher temperatures provide more energy for the molecules to move.

Can temperature be used to measure the kinetic energy of molecules directly?

Temperature is an indirect measure of the average kinetic energy of molecules. While it doesn't measure kinetic energy directly, it provides a useful way to gauge the average kinetic energy within a system.

What happens to the kinetic energy of molecules at absolute zero?

At absolute zero (0 Kelvin), the kinetic energy of molecules theoretically becomes zero. This means that molecular motion would cease entirely. However, reaching absolute zero is practically impossible.

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