Question
Thermal energy is transferred to a substance. Which change can occur?
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GPT 3.5
When thermal energy is transferred to a substance, several changes can occur, including:
1. Increase in temperature: The thermal energy can cause the substance to heat up and increase its average molecular kinetic energy, resulting in a rise in temperature.
2. Phase change: If the substance reaches its boiling or melting point, the transfer of thermal energy can cause it to change from one phase to another. For example, if a solid is heated, it could melt and become a liquid, or if a liquid is heated, it could vaporize and become a gas.
3. Expansion: Thermal energy can also cause substances to expand. When heated, most substances tend to occupy more space due to the increased molecular motion.
4. Chemical reactions: In some cases, the transfer of thermal energy can initiate or speed up a chemical reaction. This is because higher temperatures often provide the necessary activation energy for a reaction to occur.
5. Electrical conductivity: In certain substances, the transfer of thermal energy can improve their electrical conductivity. This is commonly seen in metals, where heating them can increase the movement of free electrons, thus enhancing their ability to carry electrical current.
1. Increase in temperature: The thermal energy can cause the substance to heat up and increase its average molecular kinetic energy, resulting in a rise in temperature.
2. Phase change: If the substance reaches its boiling or melting point, the transfer of thermal energy can cause it to change from one phase to another. For example, if a solid is heated, it could melt and become a liquid, or if a liquid is heated, it could vaporize and become a gas.
3. Expansion: Thermal energy can also cause substances to expand. When heated, most substances tend to occupy more space due to the increased molecular motion.
4. Chemical reactions: In some cases, the transfer of thermal energy can initiate or speed up a chemical reaction. This is because higher temperatures often provide the necessary activation energy for a reaction to occur.
5. Electrical conductivity: In certain substances, the transfer of thermal energy can improve their electrical conductivity. This is commonly seen in metals, where heating them can increase the movement of free electrons, thus enhancing their ability to carry electrical current.
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