Question

What happens to the particles of an object when there is an increase in thermal energy?

Answers

GPT 3.5
When there is an increase in thermal energy, the particles of an object gain more kinetic energy. This increased energy causes the particles to move more rapidly and vibrate with greater amplitude. As a result, the particles collide more frequently and with greater force.

In solids, the increase in thermal energy causes the particles to vibrate with increased amplitude around their equilibrium positions, but without significantly changing their positions. The particles in solids remain closely packed together, maintaining their structural integrity.

In liquids, the increased thermal energy causes the particles to move more freely, breaking the attractive forces between them. As a result, the particles move faster and start to slide past one another, leading to a change in the shape and volume of the liquid.

In gases, the increase in thermal energy causes the particles to move even more rapidly and spread out. The particles move in a random fashion, colliding with each other and the walls of the container. This results in an increase in the pressure exerted by the gas.

Overall, an increase in thermal energy leads to an increase in the random motion of particles, which affects the physical properties of the object, such as its volume, shape, and pressure.