Science Project 2

In this episode of Quantum Conversations, the host discusses the chemistry of materials. A lucky fan named Abner joins the show and asks the renowned scientist Harold O'Keefe about heating curves. Harold explains that a heating curve shows the transition of a solid to a liquid and then to a gas. As the solid heats up, it gains kinetic energy while the potential energy remains the same. During the phase change to a liquid, the potential energy increases while the kinetic energy stays the same. The liquid continues to heat up, gaining more kinetic energy while the potential energy remains constant. Another phase change occurs when the liquid turns into a gas, and the gas gains potential energy. The gas then gains more kinetic energy until it cools down and returns to a solid state. Welcome back to episode 2 of Quantum Conversations with me, your host, Alden O'Keefe. On today's episode, we will be talking about the chemistry of materials. As always, we have a lucky fan with us today. How are you doing today, Abner? I'm doing great, and so excited to be on such a great show. Well, we are happy to have you. I am on the phone right now with world-renowned scientist Harold O'Keefe. Do you have any questions for him, Abner? Yes! Can you explain to me what a heating curve is? Of course. A heating curve is a way to show how a solid turns into a liquid and then transitions into a gas. A solid heats up in a pan and starts to gain kinetic energy, and the potential energy stays the same. There is a phase change where the solid turns into a liquid and starts to gain potential energy, while the kinetic energy stays the same. Then the liquid keeps heating up and gains more kinetic energy, whereas the potential energy stays the same. Next, there is another phase change where the liquid changes to a gas and gains potential energy. Then the gas just keeps gaining kinetic energy and stays a gas until it cools down again.