Temperature and Kinetic Energy

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Kinetic Energy Noun

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

Back

Kinetic Energy

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The energy that an object or particle possesses due to its motion, which is present in all moving things.

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Example: This diagram shows that as temperature increases from solid to liquid to gas, the particles move more, representing an increase in their average kinetic energy.

Front

Temperature Noun

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[tem-per-uh-cher]

Back

Temperature

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A measure of the average kinetic energy of the molecules within a substance, indicating how hot or cold it is.

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Example: This diagram shows that higher temperature means particles have more kinetic energy, causing them to vibrate faster and spread apart.

Front

Molecule Noun

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[mol-i-kyool]

Back

Molecule

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The smallest unit of a substance that retains its properties and is in a state of constant, random motion.

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Example: This diagram shows a molecule (H₂O) is made of atoms (O, H) joined by covalent bonds, and how molecules are attracted by hydrogen bonds.

Front

Heat Noun

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[heet]

Back

Heat

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The transfer of energy from a warmer object to a cooler one as a result of a temperature difference.

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Example: This diagram shows that heat is energy that flows from a hotter object (red block) to a colder object (blue block).

Front

Absolute Zero Noun

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[ab-suh-loot zee-roh]

Back

Absolute Zero

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The theoretical temperature at which the motion of all particles ceases, defined as 0 Kelvin or -273.15 Celsius.

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Example: This diagram compares Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin temperature scales, showing that absolute zero (0 K) is the lowest possible temperature, equivalent to -273.15°C.

Front

Kelvin Scale Noun

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[kel-vin skeyl]

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Kelvin Scale

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A temperature scale where temperature is directly proportional to the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance.

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Example: This diagram compares the Kelvin, Celsius, and Fahrenheit scales, showing key temperatures like absolute zero (0 K), where particles have minimal kinetic energy.

Front

Thermal Energy Noun

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[thur-muhl en-er-jee]

Back

Thermal Energy

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The total energy of all the moving particles, including atoms and molecules, that make up an object or substance.

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Example: When the thermal energy of a substance increases by adding heat, its particles gain kinetic energy and move faster.

Front

Collision Noun

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[kuh-lizh-uhn]

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Collision

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An event where particles forcefully strike one another, which often results in a direct transfer of kinetic energy.

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Example: This image shows two particles moving towards each other to collide, representing how particles in matter interact and transfer kinetic energy.