Coast Guard Exams
Question 319General Subjects - Assistant Engineer70% to pass

What statement is true concerning the internal energy of a substance?

AI Explanation
The correct answer is C. The internal potential molecular energy of a substance is a function of the state of matter of the substance, whereas the internal kinetic molecular energy of a substance is a function of the temperature of the substance. This is because the state of matter (solid, liquid, gas) determines the intermolecular forces and potential energy, while the temperature affects the kinetic energy of the molecules. The other options are incorrect because they either incorrectly state the relationship between internal energy and state of matter/temperature, or they mix up the factors that affect potential and kinetic energy.