Kinetic Molecular Theory

Kinetic molecular theory (aka KMT): the theory

that all matter is made up of particles (atoms
and molecules) moving constantly in random
directions
Kinetic energy: the energy of a particle due to its
motion.

When particles collide, kinetic energy is transferred

between them (like how a bowling ball transfers energy
to the bowling pins it hits)

Kinetic Molecular Theory

The particles of a substance move differently
depending on the state of the substance.
In solids, particles vibrate slightly but do not change
position.
In liquids, particles vibrate more and move around
within a set volume.
In gases, particles vibrate greatly and move around
to take all volume available.

solid

liquid

gas

Temperature
Temperature

is a measure of the
average Kinetic Energy of the
particles in a substance.
Remember KE is the energy of motion.
The higher the average Kinetic Energy,
the faster the particles move
Temperature and Heat are NOT the
same thing

Temperature
Temperature: the measure of the average kinetic
energy
of all particles in a sample of
matter.
The movement of particles is what we measure as
temperature.
Temperature is measured using 3 different temperature
scales:
Fahrenheit,
Celsius,
and Kelvin
Fahrenheit:
1st invented
scale
Celsius: Water
freezing point = 0C
boiling point = 100C
Kelvin: scale based on absolute zero
(where particles have no kinetic
energy)

Temperature Scale Comparisons

373 K = 100C

37C = 99F
298 K = 25C
273 K = 0C
-40C = -40F
0 K = -273C

Thermal Energy
Thermal energy: the total energy of all the
particles in a
substance.
Thermal energy = all kinetic energy + all potential energy
Kinetic energy: the energy of a particle due to its
motion
Potential energy: the stored energy of an object or
particle
due to its position or state

Thermal Energy Transfer

Conduction: the transfer of heat by direct contact
Heat is transferred from matter with a higher temperature
and greater kinetic energy to matter with lower temperature
and less kinetic energy.
Example: a cold spoon warms up when placed in a cup of
hot coffee
Thermal conductors (such as metals) transfer heat easily.
Insulators (such as wood and air) do not transfer heat easily.

Heat Transfer
Heat can be transferred in 3 ways:

Conduction

Convection

Radiation

Heat Transfer
Heat

Conductors

Good thermal conductors transfer heat

rapidly
Metals are good thermal conductors
Radiators are metals that transfer
the heat in the water to the air

Frying pans transfer heat from

the stove to the food

HeatInsulators
Transfer

Thermal

Poor thermal conductors of heat.

Asbestos, cork, ceramic, cardboard, and
fiberglass are examples of thermal
insulators

Conduction

Takes place between solids or solids with

liquids
Particles vibrating or moving faster transfer
some of their energy to nearby atoms

Conduction
When particles collide and the faster ones pass some
of their energy on to the cooler ones.

This results in a change in energy for each particle

This causes the faster

ones to slow down and
cool
The slower ones speed up
and heat up

Convection
Occurs

in Fluids
(liquids and
gases)

Caused

by a
change in
density due to a
change in
temperature.

Radiation: the transfer of heat by electromagnetic waves

that carry
radiant energy
Heat radiation = infrared radiation.
Example: Feeling warm when standing next to a campfire

Solar radiation: the transfer of

radiant
energy
from the sun

Earths energy sources:

1.Solar radiation - visible light, infrared
radiation, and other types of radiation
2.Residual thermal energy from when
the Earth was formed is slowly
released
3.Decay of underground radioactive
elements produces energy

The

Radiation

transfer of energy due to Infrared

and other electromagnetic rays.
Radiation can travel through space.
All things radiate heat.

Thermal
Expansion
When objects heat up their particles move
faster, hit others harder, and bounce
further, creating more empty space
between the particles.
As a result, the entire substance expands.
This is known as thermal expansion

Examples of Thermal
Expansion

Roads

crack as
they expand in the
heat
On bridges and
other sensitive
sections, expansion
panels allow it to
flex.

Thermal Expansion continued

The

liquid in a thermometer
expands as it warms.
This causes it to head up the tube
and tell you the temperature