3 ms·
> The atoms, mostly hydrogen, are at least 1836 times more massive ("but graceful for their size"), so going much, much slower. The average of the two motions d
by titzer 6y ago
> The atoms, mostly hydrogen, are at least 1836 times more massive ("but graceful for their size"), so going much, much slower. The average of the two motions defines the temperature.
Isn't it the case though that thermal energy is not the same as inertial energy of motion? I.e. that "hot" atoms can be essentially "vibrating" in place much faster and more violently, and not necessarily moving through space?
- ncmncm 6y agoI think heat energy distributes itself in a system so that each particle carries as much energy as each other, whatever its mass. Molecules can carry energy in spinning and vibrational modes that electrons can't, which means the electrons have to go even faster, for any temperature. (Electrons have constant "spin" that varies only by direction.)