Lesson 12: OpenSciEd® 6.2 Thermal Energy

What happens to the speed of gas particles when the temperature is increased?

• The speed of the particles increases.

• The speed of the particles decreases.

• The speed of the particles stays the same.

• The speed of the particles fluctuates randomly.

How does increasing the number of particles affect the total kinetic energy of a gas?

• The total kinetic energy increases.

• The total kinetic energy decreases.

• The total kinetic energy remains constant.

• The total kinetic energy fluctuates.

What do you observe about the particles when the speed visualization setting is on?

• You can see the speed of individual particles.

• The particles turn into solid spheres.

• The particles emit different colors.

• The particles stop moving.

What is the effect on total kinetic energy when the initial gas temperature is decreased?

• The total kinetic energy decreases.

• The total kinetic energy increases.

• The total kinetic energy remains constant.

• The total kinetic energy fluctuates.

If you observe one particle for 15 seconds, what might you notice about its kinetic energy?

• It changes when the particle collides with others.

• It stays the same throughout.

• It gradually decreases.

• It disappears.

While running the simulation, what happens if you hold the temperature constant and increase the initial number of particles?

• The particles move more frequently and collisions become more common.

• The particles move less frequently and collisions become rarer.

• The particles move in straight lines without colliding.

• The simulation stops working.

Why is it essential to use the ‘Follow a particle’ function during the interactive simulation?

• To observe the behavior and energy changes of an individual particle

• To count the total number of particles in the system

• To change the temperature settings directly

What outcome might you expect if you increase both the temperature and the number of particles in the simulation?

• The total kinetic energy of the gas will increase.

• The total kinetic energy of the gas will decrease.

• The temperature of the gas will decrease.

• The temperature of the gas will remain constant.

In the context of your experiments, how would you explain the term kinetic energy to a peer?

• The energy that particles possess due to their motion

• The energy stored within stationary particles

• The energy particles use to size up in the simulation

• The energy created by particles at absolute zero

During the simulation, what happens to the kinetic energy of individual gas particles when they collide?

• Their kinetic energy changes depending on the nature of the collision.

• Their kinetic energy remains constant.

• Their kinetic energy always increases.

• Their kinetic energy always decreases.