Question

Assuming both graduated cylinders are holding water at room temperature, which cylinder has more thermal energy?

The graduated cylinder with more water has more thermal energy because it is holding more water particles.

The graduated cylinder with more water has more thermal energy because the particles are warming through conduction.

The graduated cylinder with less water has more thermal energy because it has less average kinetic energy.

Neither graduated cylinder has thermal energy because the water has not been heated.

Answer 1

The graduated cylinder with more water possesses more thermal energy since thermal energy depends on the mass and temperature of the substance, and with equal temperatures, the mass (amount of water) becomes the deciding factor.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine which graduated cylinder has more thermal energy, we need to understand that thermal energy is an extensive property. This means it depends on the mass (in this case, the amount of water) and the temperature of the substance. Seeing as the temperature is not specified as different between the two cylinders, it is the mass of water that will determine the cylinder with more thermal energy. Therefore, the graduated cylinder with more water will have more thermal energy. This is because thermal energy is associated with the kinetic energy of the random motion of molecules, and a greater volume of water means more molecules, hence more kinetic energy.

If there is no temperature difference stated, we cannot assume that thermal conduction is affecting the thermal energy. Similarly, the statement about the graduated cylinder with less water having more thermal energy due to less average kinetic energy is incorrect. Thermal energy increases with increased mass and temperature, so a larger volume of water at the same temperature will have more thermal energy than a smaller volume. Finally, water at room temperature still possesses thermal energy as the molecules are constantly in motion due to their kinetic energy.

Answer 2

The correct option is;

The graduate cylinder with more water has more thermal energy because it is holding more water molecules

Step-by-step explanation:

Given that the thermal energy of the system is the energy possessed by the system by virtue of the increased motion of the particles by virtue of a transfer of heat, when the content of the system is heated

The thermal energy, Q is given by the following equation;

Q = Mass, m × The specific heat capacity, C × The change in temperature, ΔT

Given that the graduated cylinder with more water has more mass and therefore, more water molecules, than the cylinder with less water, the cylinder with more water has more thermal energy.