Thermal Equilibrium Sandbox

HS-PS3-4: Energy Distribution in a Closed System

Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that the transfer of thermal energy when two components of different temperature are combined within a closed system results in a more uniform energy distribution among the components in the system (second law of thermodynamics).

Simulation Controls

Substance A

Material

Mass (g): 100

Initial Temp (°C): 90

Substance B

Material

Mass (g): 200

Initial Temp (°C): 20

Closed System (Insulated Container)

Copper
90.0°C

Water
20.0°C

Thermal energy flows from the hotter substance to the colder substance until equilibrium is reached.

Temperature vs. Time

NGSS Three-Dimensional Learning

Science & Engineering Practices

Planning and Carrying Out Investigations: Use this sandbox to plan an investigation. Change the mass or material of one component and observe how it affects the final equilibrium temperature. Collect data from the graph to support your evidence.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

PS3.B: Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer: Energy cannot be created or destroyed. Uncontrolled systems always evolve toward more stable states—that is, toward a more uniform energy distribution (thermal equilibrium).

Crosscutting Concepts

Systems and System Models: This simulation models a closed system (an insulated container). We define the boundaries such that no thermal energy escapes to the environment, allowing us to analyze the inputs, outputs, and internal energy transfer.