Understanding Temperature

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Molecule Noun

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[mol-uh-kyool]

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Molecule

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A group of two or more atoms bonded together, representing the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical substance.

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Example: Two hydrogen atoms bond with one oxygen atom to form a water molecule.

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Kinetic Energy Noun

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[ki-net-ik en-er-jee]

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Kinetic Energy

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The energy that an object or a particle possesses due to its motion, which increases with its speed.

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Example: A cyclist speeds down a hill, gaining kinetic energy as they move faster.

Front

Temperature Noun

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[tem-per-uh-cher]

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Temperature

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A measure of the average kinetic energy of the individual atoms or molecules that make up a substance.

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Example: Molecules move faster at higher temperatures, shown by thermometers and molecular motion.

Front

Thermal Energy Noun

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[thur-muhl en-er-jee]

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Thermal Energy

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The total kinetic energy of all the atoms or molecules that make up a substance or system.

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Example: Particles in a hot area move faster, transferring thermal energy to a cooler area.

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Absolute Zero Noun

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[ab-suh-loot zee-roh]

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Absolute Zero

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The theoretical lowest possible temperature at which all molecular motion is thought to stop completely.

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Example: The image shows molecules slowing down and stopping as temperature approaches absolute zero.

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Average Noun

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[av-er-ij]

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Average

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A single number representing the central or typical value in a set of data, used for scientific comparison.

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Example: The image shows how to find the average by adding numbers and dividing by the count.

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System Noun

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[sis-tuhm]

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System

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A specific portion of the universe or a collection of interacting parts that is being studied or analyzed.

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Example: Heating water in a beaker shows how thermal energy moves through a system, changing temperature.

Front

Transfer Verb

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[trans-fur]

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Transfer

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To move from one object, place, or system to another, especially in the context of energy movement.

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Example: Heat flows from a hot object to a cold one, transferring thermal energy.

Front

Collision Noun

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[kuh-lizh-uhn]

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Collision

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An event in which two or more bodies, such as molecules, exert forces on each other in a short time.

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Example: Molecules colliding transfer energy, affecting temperature.

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Equilibrium Noun

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[ee-kwuh-lib-ree-uhm]

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Equilibrium

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The state in which two interacting systems reach the same temperature, resulting in no net transfer of energy.

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Example: Particles in two areas reach the same temperature, stopping energy transfer.