Why do molecules vibrate under higher temperatures?

  • Thread starter LogicalAcid
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In summary: Therefore, when the temperature increases, the average kinetic energy of the atoms/molecules also increases, causing them to move faster and vibrate more. This is why molecules tend to move faster at higher temperatures. On the other hand, when the temperature decreases, the average kinetic energy decreases, causing the molecules to slow down and become more compact. This is similar to how our own bodies move more easily when we are warm, but become more sluggish when we are cold. The order of events is important here, as increasing energy leads to increased movement and vibrations, which in turn leads to expansion and pressure on the outside of the object. Maintaining a balance of pressure is key in understanding this concept.
  • #1
LogicalAcid
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This question has been bugging me for a while, I thought that it was due to the atoms electrons moving faster, making the atom basically also move around more.
 
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  • #2
Molecules are always moving and when you heat them up they move faster causing vibration.
 
  • #3
Atomic / molecular kinetic energy is heat by definition so it's kind of meaningless to ask why atoms / molecules move more when hot.
 
  • #4
Is this a question about the difference between translational kinetic energy and vibrational KE?
 
  • #5
Molecules tebd to move faster unter higher temeratures because space expands and teher is more room for them to flow, when it gets colder and temperatures drop, the molecules move slower and bcome more copact. Just think about yourself, its easier to move around and do things when your warm, but when your colder, you huddle and try not to move
 
  • #6
You are confusing the order of things here. As the energy in the system increases the vibrations and linear movements increase in amplitude. This increases the pressure on the walls / outside of the 'object' ( or gas) and, if the applied pressure is not maintained, the object will expand until there is, again, a balance.
The temperature is, by definition, the average kinetic energy of the particles.
 

FAQ: Why do molecules vibrate under higher temperatures?

Why do molecules vibrate under higher temperatures?

At higher temperatures, molecules gain more kinetic energy and therefore move around more quickly. This increased movement causes the bonds between atoms in the molecule to stretch and bend, resulting in molecular vibrations.

What is the relationship between temperature and molecular vibration?

The higher the temperature, the faster the molecules move and the more intense their vibrations become. This is because the molecules are gaining more kinetic energy and are able to move more freely and vigorously.

Why do some molecules vibrate more than others at the same temperature?

The extent of molecular vibration depends on factors such as the mass and type of atoms in the molecule, as well as the strength and number of bonds between them. Molecules with lighter atoms and weaker bonds tend to vibrate more easily than those with heavier atoms and stronger bonds.

How does molecular vibration affect the physical properties of a substance?

Molecular vibration can affect a substance's physical properties in several ways. For example, it can contribute to a substance's melting and boiling points, as well as its thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity. It can also influence the way a substance absorbs and emits light, which can be useful for identifying and studying different molecules.

Can molecular vibration be observed or measured?

Yes, molecular vibration can be observed and measured using techniques such as infrared spectroscopy. In this method, infrared light is passed through a sample of the substance and the absorption and emission of specific wavelengths of light are recorded, providing information about the types and frequencies of molecular vibrations present in the sample.

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