Question

A scientist examines a large pot of boiling water and a small cup of boiling water. The scientist determines that the large pot holds more water particles than the small cup. Also, the scientist discovers that both have the same amount of average kinetic energy.

Based on the scientist's findings, which of the following statements is true?

The large pot of water has a higher temperature and more thermal energy than the small cup of water.
The large pot of water has a higher temperature than the small cup of water, but both have the same amount of thermal energy.
The large pot of water and small cup of water have the same temperature, but the small cup of water has higher thermal energy.
The large pot of water and small cup of water have the same temperature, but the large pot of water has higher thermal energy.

Answer 1

Based on the scientist's findings : The large pot of water and small cup of water have the same temperature, but the large pot of water has higher thermal energy is true.

Explanation:

The calculation of the kinetic energy possessed by the particles in a substance is the Temperature. This measurement is on an average. This is obtained by summing up the kinetic energy possessed by the particles in the substance and then dividing the value with the number of particles present in that substance. An other way of calculating the kinetic energy of particles in the  Thermal energy.  It is the measurement of total energy which can be obtained by summing up the total energy of all the particles.

The temperature would be equal in both the pots. But the number of particles present in the larger pot and a smaller cup differs. Hence the particles in the larger pot would be more and moving than when compared to the number of particles in the smaller cup. Hence, the total energy of the particle in larger pot will be more that contributes to higher thermal energy than a small cup.