- #1
Tahmeed
- 81
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Why temparature is only dependent on internal energy of something, say an ideal gas.
The temperature of a substance is a measure of the average kinetic energy of its particles. This kinetic energy is directly related to the internal energy of the substance, which includes all forms of energy such as chemical, nuclear, and thermal energy. Pressure and volume, on the other hand, only affect the spacing and movement of particles, not their actual kinetic energy. Therefore, temperature is dependent on internal energy, not pressure or volume.
In gases, the particles are in constant, random motion, colliding with each other and the walls of the container. As the temperature increases, the average kinetic energy of the particles also increases, causing them to move faster and collide more frequently. This increased internal energy leads to a higher temperature, and vice versa. Additionally, the temperature of a gas can change without a change in its pressure or volume, further demonstrating the dependence on internal energy.
Yes, changes in pressure or volume can indirectly affect the temperature of a substance. For example, when a gas is compressed, its volume decreases, causing the particles to have less space to move around in. This results in a higher frequency of collisions, which increases the kinetic energy and temperature. However, the direct relationship is between temperature and internal energy, not pressure or volume.
The first law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted from one form to another. This law supports the relationship between temperature and internal energy because a change in temperature is a result of a transfer or conversion of internal energy. This further reinforces the idea that temperature is dependent on internal energy, rather than pressure or volume.
There are some rare cases where the relationship between temperature and internal energy may not hold true. One example is when a substance undergoes a phase change, such as melting or boiling, where the energy added or removed is used to break or form intermolecular bonds rather than increase the kinetic energy of particles. However, in most cases, the relationship between temperature and internal energy remains consistent.