Distinguish between temperature and internal energy in a system.

Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance, while internal energy is the total kinetic and potential energy of all the particles in the system. Therefore, temperature reflects the energy per particle, whereas internal energy accounts for all particles in the system.

Particle lens: Describe arrangement, motion, spacing, collisions, or energy changes only when they are relevant here. This question asks: Distinguish between temperature and internal energy in a system. The correct response is Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance, while internal energy is the total kinetic and potential energy of all the particles in the system. Therefore, temperature reflects the energy per particle, whereas internal energy accounts for all particles in the system., because internal energy combines particle kinetic and potential energy. In Internal energy, the marking point should connect directly to describe how increasing temperature increases the average kinetic energy of particles. If the question includes values, the working must keep the appropriate unit and operation; if it is an explanation, it must name the relevant particle behaviour or energy change. This item belongs to Internal energy and energy transfers, so avoid answers that switch to a different quantity, confuse heat with temperature, or describe gas pressure without collisions when collisions are the reason. Checkpoint 228 is distinct because it uses this exact question context and the particle lens rather than a generic particle-model sentence.