Particle Motion & Thermal Energy

MS-PS1-4 · Why does ice melt faster in a drink than in a cooler?

📋 Instructions

Driving Question: How does temperature affect particle motion?

1. Adjust the temperature slider and watch how particles behave.

2. Click Solid, Liquid, or Gas to see different states of matter.

3. Notice how particle speed changes with temperature.

4. Use the Data Journal below to record trials and export data.

Temperature

25°C

State of Matter

Particles

60 particles

Particle Motion Visualization

Particles slide past each other, loosely connected. They have moderate kinetic energy.

Temperature:25°C

Avg Speed:2.4 m/s

Avg KE:4.1 × 10⁻²¹ J

State:Liquid

Temperature = average kinetic energy of particles

Solid: vibrate in fixed positions

Liquid: slide past each other

Gas: move freely, fast, far apart

📊 Data Journal Trial 0

My prediction for avg speed:

#	Temp (°C)	State	Avg Speed	Prediction

Before changing the temperature, predict: how will particle speed change if you increase temperature by 50°C?

Run the simulation at different temperatures. Record what you see about particle movement, spacing, and collisions.

Using the relationship KE = ½mv², explain why particles move faster at higher temperatures. Why does ice melt faster in a warm drink?