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VICPhysicsQuick questions
Unit 1: What ideas explain the physical world?
Quick questions on Kinetic theory and temperature (VCE Physics Unit 1)
3short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is using celsius in the kinetic-theory formula?Show answer
The formula requires kelvin. Using $T = 30°$C instead of $T = 303$ K gives wildly wrong answers.
What is confusing temperature with internal energy?Show answer
A bathtub of warm water has more internal energy than a cup of boiling water. Temperature compares the average per-particle kinetic energy; internal energy depends on both temperature and amount.
What is treating absolute zero as achievable?Show answer
Classical kinetic theory predicts particle motion stops at $0$ K. Quantum mechanics shows zero-point motion persists, but the third law of thermodynamics still makes $0$ K unattainable.
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