Re: Thermal Energy - thermalization of rotational energy

[John Mallinckrodt <ajmallinckro@CSUPOMONA.EDU>]

On Thu, 7 Mar 2002, Jim Green wrote:

> I do understand what is usually meant by "internal energy" and how that
> concept is used/useful,

Jim,

I'm interested (seriously) in hearing what you think is usually
meant by "internal energy."  In particular I'd be interested in
knowing whether you would say that it includes bulk rotational
kinetic energy and large amplitude macroscopic system vibrations.

If so, would you consistently put those kinds of energy in the
same category as atomic scale vibrations and rotations or would
you sometimes put them in some third category?

If not, would you consistently put them in the same category as
bulk translational kinetic energy or, again, would you sometimes
put them in some third category?

John Mallinckrodt      mailto:ajm@csupomona.edu
Cal Poly Pomona          http://www.csupomona.edu/~ajm