LuduminaPM-03 · PM-U2 · Planned
Internal energy, temperature and heating
Learning objectives
Distinguish internal energy and temperature; relate heating to kinetic/potential particle energy changes.
8463 §§4.3.2.1–4.3.2.2 / 8464 §§6.3.2.1–6.3.2.2
DfE single-science pp.42–43 / Combined pp.35. Evidence checked 30 September–1 October 2026. Skills: WS1.2,3.6; MS3b,3c.
Explanation
Internal energy includes the kinetic and potential energies of all particles. Temperature relates to particle motion but does not measure the total internal energy of a sample. Equal temperature does not imply equal energy when masses or materials differ.
Concepts, equations and units: Internal energy=sum particle kinetic and potential energies; ΔE=mcΔθ for temperature change without phase change; J,kg,J/(kg °C),°C.
Prediction, demonstration and game exercise
Predict, observe, explain
Compare samples at equal temperature but different mass; interpret particle animation as a model.
Planned learner game exercise
Give equal thermal inputs to selectable samples; predict temperature change then annotate particle changes.
Independent practice
Two ΔE calculations and an explanation of equal temperature/different internal energy.
Original practice example · Shared
Two samples of the same material are at the same temperature, but one has twice the mass. Must their internal energies be equal?
Show working and model answer
Working / reasoning
No: temperature is not total internal energy, and the larger sample contains more particles under comparable conditions.
Answer
No; the larger sample has a greater total internal energy under the stated comparable conditions.
Exit check and success criteria
Both calculations correct and internal energy includes both particle contributions.
During practice, compare the prediction with evidence and give an error-specific prompt. The exit item uses a fresh context or fresh values, answered independently.
Misconceptions, practical links and mastery
Check these misconceptions
Temperature measures total energy; heat is contained as a substance; particles get bigger when heated.
Practical preparation
RP-P1/RP-C14 conceptual revisit; no additional RP.
Virtual preparation and revision only. Required hands-on activities and school records remain separate.
Proposed mastery
0: not yet evidenced. 1: supported. 2: independent exit criteria met. 3: successful changed-context transfer. Advance at 2; revisit with fresh retrieval. These are not GCSE grades.