Internal Energy

Definition

Internal energy refers to the total amount of kinetic and potential energies possessed by all molecules within a substance. It includes both microscopic motion (kinetic) and forces between molecules (potential).

Related terms

Temperature: Temperature is a measure of average kinetic energy within a substance. It indicates how fast molecules are moving on average.

Thermal Equilibrium:

Thermal equilibrium occurs when two objects or systems reach the same temperature and there is no net flow of thermal energy between them.

Specific Heat Capacity: Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance by a certain amount. It is a property that depends on the type of material.