An increase in thermal energy leads to _____
1. a decrease in heat and an increase in kinetic energy until a phase change occurs.
2. an increase in heat and an increase in kinetic energy until a phase change occurs.
3. a decrease in heat and a decrease in kinetic energy until a phase change occurs.
4. an increase in heat and a decrease in kinetic energy until a phase change occurs.
The correct answer is:
2. an increase in heat and an increase in kinetic energy until a phase change occurs.
Explanation:
Thermal energy is the total amount of energy associated with the random motions of the particles in a substance. When the thermal energy of a substance increases, it means that the average kinetic energy of its particles is increasing. Kinetic energy is the energy associated with the motion of particles.
As the thermal energy increases, the particles gain more kinetic energy, which causes them to move more rapidly and vigorously. This increase in kinetic energy translates to an increase in temperature and heat.
Heat is the transfer of thermal energy from a hotter object to a cooler object. So, when the thermal energy increases, it leads to an increase in heat as the particles transfer their energy to surrounding objects or within the substance itself.
Additionally, it's important to note that a phase change occurs when a substance transitions between different states of matter, such as solid to liquid or liquid to gas. During a phase change, the temperature remains constant as the thermal energy is used to break or form intermolecular bonds.