Heat, Temperature and Kinetic Therory of Matter

Running head: HEAT, TEMPERATURE AND KINETIC THERORY OF MATTER

Heat, Temperature and Kinetic Therory of Matter

Strayer University

Introduction to Physical Science

SCI110

Professor Craig Kung

November 07, 2012

Heat, Temperature and Kinetic Therory of Matter

The Kinetic Theory of Matter states that matter is composed of a large number of small particles—individual atoms or molecules—that are in constant motion. This theory is also called the Kinetic Molecular Theory of Matter and the Kinetic Theory. By making some simple assumptions, such as the idea that matter is made of widely spaced particles in constant motion, the theory helps to explain the behavior of matter. Two important areas explained are the flow or transfer of heat and the relationship between pressure, temperature, and volume properties of gases. (Kurtus, 2011)

The kinetic theory can be used to describe the three physical states of matter which are solids, liquids, and gases. In a solid, the particles are so close that the forces of attraction confine the material to a specific shape. In liquids, the particles are further apart, but yet close enough that attractive forces confine the material to the shape of the container. In a gas, the separation between particles is very large compared to their size, such that there are no attractive or repulsive forces between the molecules.

Heat is a measure of internal energy that has been absorbed or transferred from one body to another. It is further defined as (1): added energy that causes substances to rise in temperature, fuse, evaporate, expand, or undergo any of various other related changes that flows to a body by contact with or radiation from bodies at higher temperatures, and that can be produced in a body (as by compression.) (2): the energy associated with the random motions of the molecules of atoms, or smaller structural units of which matter is composed. (Webster’s, 1997, p. 536)

Temperature is the measure of hotness or coldness...