Benchmark 4E The Physical Setting: Energy Transformations

Benchmark 4E
The Physical Setting: Energy Transformations
Grades 9-12, page 86

Heat energy in a material consists of the disordered motions of its atoms or molecules. In any interactions of atoms or molecules, the statistical odds are that they will end up with less order than they began--that is, with the heat energy spread out more evenly. With huge numbers of atoms and molecules, the greater disorder is almost certain.

NSES Content Standard B
Physical Science: Conservation of energy and the increase in disorder
Grades 9-12, page 180
Heat consists of random motion and the vibrations of atoms, molecules, and ions. The higher the temperature, the greater the atomic or molecular motion.

NSES Content Standard B
Physical Science: Conservation of energy and the increase in disorder
Grades 9-12, page 180
Everything tends to become less organized and less orderly over time. Thus, in all energy transfers, the overall effect is that energy is spread out uniformly. Examples are the transfer of energy from hotter to cooler objects by conduction, radiation, or convection and the warming of our surroundings when we burn fuels.

NSES Content Standard C
Life Science: Matter, energy, and organization in living systems
Grades 9-12, page 186
All matter tends toward more disorganized states. Living systems require a continuous input of energy to maintain their chemical and physical organizations. With death, and the cessation of energy input, living systems rapidly disintegrate.