Name Date Class

APPLYING
PRACTICES Modeling Energy at Different Scales

A cup of water is left outside for several hours in the heat of a summer day. It is then
brought into an air-conditioned room. Develop a model that illustrates the changes in
thermal energy of the water molecules in the cup at a macroscopic scale and at a
particle scale. This worksheet will help you plan, develop, and execute your model.

Develop Your Model

1. In your own words, describe what process or question your model will illustrate.

2. What type of model will you use? What materials will you need to develop
your model?

3. Use the space below to sketch a prototype of your model. If you need more
space, you can use a separate page.

4. Complete your model. Below, explain how it works and describe how it
addresses the process or question.
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 Name Date Class

Modeling Energy at Different Scales CONTINUED

Use Your Model

Answer the questions below using your model.
1. How does your model show changes in thermal energy at a macroscopic scale?

2. How does your model show changes in thermal energy at a particle scale?

3. What would your macroscopic and particle-scale models look like half-way
through the cooling process?

Apply Your Knowledge

1. What is the difference in the kinetic energy of the water molecules when the
cup is outside on a hot day and when it is in the air-conditioned room?
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2. Would you be able to use your model to show water boiling or freezing? Why
or why not?