Particle Model
Internal Energy
To explain what internal energy is and how heating can change a substance’s temperature or state.

What you will learn

What internal energy means

How particles have kinetic and potential energy

How heating changes a substance’s internal energy

Why temperature is linked to average particle kinetic energy

Why internal energy and temperature are not the same
Explanation
Internal energy is the total kinetic and potential energy of all particles in a system. Heating can increase particle kinetic energy and temperature, or increase potential energy during a change of state. Temperature relates to average particle kinetic energy, whereas internal energy also depends on the amount of substance and particle interactions. Example: Explain a temperature rise without state change. Average particle kinetic energy increases. Use clear labels. Give a reason. Compare cases.
