[tieulongnhi]

What is the relationship between the potential energy and the temperature in an isolated system.

I think I know the answer but I'm not quite 100% positive.. please help me elaborate myself!! Thanks!

[k1D3Ck]

Not sure but maybe this will help

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Principle_of_minimum_energy

I am interested in the answer so you should post it.

[xl0lxl0lx]

"The increase in potential energy thus means a decrease in kinetic energy and therefore in temperature."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joule-Thomson_effect
not sure if that is what you're looking for

[tieulongnhi]

"The increase in potential energy thus means a decrease in kinetic energy and therefore in temperature."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joule-Thomson_effect
not sure if that is what you're looking for

yeah. That is very true.. but I just don't know if it works the same in an "isolated system".. I have no idea right about now

[k1D3Ck]

Isolated has no energy or mass transfer. Completely isolated. Different from closed system.

I am not sure how general or basic the answer is since I can't recall basic chemistry.

[asianpanthers]

^ i was going to say the same thing...it's like a controlled setting where other factors need not be considered so the ONLY relationship is that between potential energy and temp

[shelly138]

Temperature (Kelvin) is directly proportional to average kinetic energy. Temperature does not directly tell you anything about potential energy. Heat is the measure of total energy, which includes potential energy. I always used to confuse heat with temperature, but they are not the same thing.

An "isolated system" simply means that you are only taking the listed factors into consideration. For example, you aren't going to account for the heat that comes from sunlight. Another example is an isolated mass-spring system where you would ignore air resistance (friction).