GCSE Physics (AQA)

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Internal Energy

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Particle model of matter Internal energy and energy transfers

Internal Energy

2:31 Internal Energy
Spec 4.3.2.1
Previous Potential Energy between Molecules Next Heating & Temperature
  • Internal energy of a system is the total kinetic and potential energy of molecules.
  • Particles and molecules can be modeled as balls of matter with springs representing intermolecular bonds.
  • Molecules store kinetic energy due to movement and vibrations.
  • Bonds store potential energy, transferred from kinetic energy as particles move and work is done against the bonds.
  • Internal energy is the sum of kinetic and potential energy.
  • Kinetic energy generally contributes more to internal energy than potential energy.
  • Internal energy depends on the state of matter:
  • Solids: Low kinetic energy, high potential energy, low internal energy.
  • Liquids: Medium kinetic and potential energy, medium internal energy.
  • Gases: High kinetic energy, low potential energy, high internal energy.
  • For exams, be able to describe energy differences between states of matter.

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