The internal energy of a substance is defined as
A)the potential energy of all particles which make up the substance.
B)the kinetic energy of all particles which make up the substance.
C)the sum of the potential and kinetic energy of all particles which make up the substance.
D)the thermal energy of all particles which make up the substance.
E)the chemical energy of all particles which make up the substance.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The internal energy of a substance is defined as the sum of the potential and kinetic energy of all particles which make up the substance. Both potential and kinetic energies are important factors when determining the internal energy of a substance. Therefore, choice C, which combines both potential and kinetic energy, is the best choice for the definition of internal energy.

The Internal Energy of a Substance Is Defined as