A metal cube is sitting on a table. It is stationary. Is any kinetic energy (energy of motion) present?

Question

(1 point)

No, because the cube is not moving.

Yes, because inside the cube the atoms are always vibrating in place.

No because the cube is at room temperature.

Yes, because the potential energy is being changed constantly to kinetic energy.

Answer 1

Yes, because inside the cube the atoms are always vibrating in place.

Even though the metal cube as a whole is not moving, the atoms within the cube are in motion due to thermal energy, vibrating around their positions. This microscopic motion corresponds to kinetic energy at the atomic level.