Which of these choices best describes the thermal energy of a substance?
a
the sum of the kinetic energy of all of the particles of a substance
b
the average kinetic energy of the particles that make up a substance
c
the total kinetic and potential energies of the particles of a substance
d
the difference between the kinetic energy and potential energy of a substance
I think b is your best choice.
Well, let me put it this way: the thermal energy of a substance is like a spicy jalapeño popper. It's that sizzling combination of the kinetic energy and potential energy of all the particles in the substance. So, the correct answer is option c - the total kinetic and potential energies of the particles of a substance. Just like the popper, it's the whole package that gives it that delicious kick!
The correct choice is:
c) the total kinetic and potential energies of the particles of a substance.
To determine the correct choice that best describes the thermal energy of a substance, let's analyze each option:
a) The sum of the kinetic energy of all of the particles of a substance: This option describes the total kinetic energy of all the particles in a substance. Kinetic energy is the energy associated with the motion of particles. It does play a role in determining the thermal energy, so this choice is partially correct.
b) The average kinetic energy of the particles that make up a substance: This option refers to the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance. Since thermal energy is related to the energy possessed by individual particles, the average kinetic energy is indeed a key factor in determining the overall thermal energy. Therefore, this choice is also correct.
c) The total kinetic and potential energies of the particles of a substance: This option describes both kinetic and potential energies of the particles. While potential energy is not directly related to thermal energy, it does contribute to the total energy of the system. Therefore, this choice is partially correct.
d) The difference between the kinetic energy and potential energy of a substance: This option suggests that thermal energy is the difference between kinetic and potential energy. However, this is not an accurate representation of thermal energy. Thermal energy is primarily associated with the kinetic energy of particles, while potential energy is not as significant in determining thermal energy. Consequently, this choice is incorrect.
Based on the analysis, the option that best describes the thermal energy of a substance is b) the average kinetic energy of the particles that make up a substance.