Heat Propagation

Overview and Learning Objectives

This model starts with a crystal consisting of about 300 identical atoms that are held in place by van der Waals forces. You can increase the average kinetic energy of the atoms by clicking the red and blue arrows on the "thermometer." If you heat it too much, you will melt the crystal. You can always start over using the reload button. Experiment with shock waves, thermal memory, and more.

Students will be able to:

• describe critical variables in the solution of the problem: What causes heat to propagate? How fast does it propagate?

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Central Concepts

Key Concept:

Additional Related Concepts

Physics/Chemistry

• Heat energy

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Benchmarks and Standards

AAAS

• THE PHYSICAL SETTING: ENERGY TRANSFORMATIONS - Heat energy in a material consists of the disordered motions of its atoms or molecules (Full Text of Standard)
  
  

NSES

• Life-Science: Matter, energy, and organization - 1 All matter tends toward more disorganized states (Full Text of Standard)
  
  
• Physical-Science: Atomic Structure - 1 Matter is made of minute particles (Full Text of Standard)
  
  
• Physical-Science: Energy Conservation / Entropy - 3 Heat consists of random motion and the vibrations of atoms, molecules, and ions (Full Text of Standard)
  
  

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Activity Credits

Created by CC Project: Molecular Workbench using Molecular Workbench

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Requirements

• Java 1.5+ - Java 1.5+ is available for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X 10.4 and greater. If you are using Mac OS X 10.3, you can download MW Version 1.3 and explore within it instead.

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