Relationship between the Kinetic Theory of Matter and Heat (Term Paper Sample)

Heat Conversion
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Relationship between the Kinetic Theory of Matter and Heat
According to kinetic theory of matter, matter is composed of atoms and molecules which are in constant random motion (Halliday & Resnick, 2013). . As the molecules continuously jiggle and move around, they hit each other or vibrate back and forth thus producing a form of energy known as thermal energy (also known as heat). According to the theory, all the three states of matter (solid, liquid, and gas) consist of freely-moving particles. As they move around and collide with each other, energy is given out in form heat. The separation distance between the particles determines the amount of energy released. Solid particles are often closely packed. As a result, the particles vibrate at a constant point producing less energy. Liquid particles have a good separation distance, thus can move swiftly producing higher amounts of thermal energy (heat). The particles in gas are further apart hence having the highest collision rate, producing the highest amount of energy. In other words, kinetic theory of matter explains how heat is produced in a body. Without the understanding of the theory, the process of heat energy conversion would also not be possible. As a matter of fact, transfer of heat energy happens through the movement of particles in a body (Halliday & Resnick, 2013).
Heat
Heat is defined as form of energy that exists within a substance. It can also mean the sum total of energy produced by motion of the molecules from one substance to another (flow of energy). This energy comes as result of movement of molecules or atoms in a body. As the bodies jiggle continuously and move around, they hit each other thus producing energy in form of heat. The total amount of energy in a substance depends on the number (mass and size), speed, and the type of particles in that particular substance. In other words, heat refers to the transfer of energy from one object to another (What is Heat, 2010).
Temperature
Temperature can be defined as the degree to which a body is hot or cold. In simple terms, temperature is a means of detecting the existence of heat energy in a substance (What is Heat, 2010). The effect of heat energy of a substance gives the temperature of that particular substance. For example, when heat energy is added to a substance, the particles begin moving faster and the substance becomes hotter. Similarly, when heat energy if withdrawn from a substance the particles move slower and becomes colder.
The Relationship between Heat and Temperature
When a substance is heated, its temperature rises. Heat decreases or increases the temperature of a body. For instance, when heat is added the temperature will become higher (Halliday & Resnick, 2013). In a similar manner, when heat is removed, the temperature will become lower. It is worth noting that adding heat energy to a body does not necessarily alter the temperature, it can lead phase change with temperature remaining constant. When a body is at high temperatures, it means that its particles are vibrating, moving, and colliding with high amount of energy. The converse is also true. When two bodies of the same temperature are brought close, there will no transfer of energy because the particles in each object have the same amount of average energy. However, when you bring a body with higher temperature close to a body with low temperature, there will be transfer of energy from the hotter body to the colder body (Frank & David, 1990).
Differences between Heat and Temperature
While heat is energy, temperature is a measure of energy. Heat depends of the number of particles, speed of particles, and the type of particles in a substance. Temperature, on the other hand, does not depend on the number of particles. For example, a 2-litre water can have the same temperature as a 20-litre water. However, the 20-litre water has more heat energy because it has a higher a...