Kinetic Theory of Matter - Essay Example

There is enough space in liquids and therefore the particles are free to move but they attract one another. In gases there is enough free space since the particles are far apart. As more Kinetic energy is gained by the particles, the components of matter change their state; solids change into liquids and liquids change into gases. Kinetic energy is as a result of heating the particles thus making them to move apart from one another. The Kinetic theory is based on the fact that when heated, the molecules quickly vibrate and some of it moves from the matter.

Heat is a form of energy that is being transferred from region to another. The energy transfer is as a result of thermal contact or thermal radiation and occurs at different temperatures of the systems. Nuclear reactions such as those that are responsible for the burning of the sun release heat. Insulators can also be used to trap heat for a limited time. Energy is transferred through three modes namely conduction, convection or radiation, depending on the medium through which it is being transferred.

In solids like metal, the process takes place through conduction. On the contrary some solids such as wood and plastics are poor conductors of heat. In conduction thermal energy is transferred from regions of higher temperatures to those of lower temperatures just like diffusion takes place. Convection refers to the transfer of heat energy between liquids that are in motion and a solid object. It can either be forced or free convection. In radiation, there is no contact between the objects in which the heat transfer is taking place.

The transfer takes place through electro-magnetic waves, and does not require a medium. Heat is measured in joules. Temperature is the measure of the amount of heat energy in a body and the capacity for heat transfer. It can also be defined as the measurement of the mean