A piece of metal and a glass of water have the same kinetic energy. Which statement is correct about the thermal energy of the metal and water? (1 point)
Responses
The metal has a higher thermal energy, because it has less potential energy.
The metal has a higher thermal energy, because it has less potential energy.
The water has a higher thermal energy, because it has greater potential energy.
The water has a higher thermal energy, because it has greater potential energy.
The metal has a higher thermal energy, because it has greater potential energy.
The metal has a higher thermal energy, because it has greater potential energy.
The water has a higher thermal energy, because it has less potential energy.
The water has a higher thermal energy, because it has less potential energy.
To determine which statement is correct about the thermal energy of the metal and water, we need to understand their relationship to kinetic and potential energy.
Kinetic energy is the energy of motion, given by the equation KE = 1/2 * mass * velocity^2. It depends on both mass and velocity.
Potential energy, on the other hand, is the energy an object possesses due to its position or condition. It can exist in various forms, such as gravitational potential energy, chemical potential energy, or thermal potential energy.
Now, the question states that the metal and water have the same kinetic energy. This means that they have the same mass and velocity.
Thermal energy, also known as heat energy, is the total internal kinetic energy of the particles within a substance. It depends on the mass, temperature, and specific heat capacity of the substance. It is not directly related to the potential energy of the substance.
Therefore, the correct statement would be:
The metal has the same thermal energy as the water because their kinetic energies are the same.