Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Michael Gentry on 01/03/2011 08:30:58

Title: Does a hot object weigh more than a cold one?
Post by: Michael Gentry on 01/03/2011 08:30:58

Michael Gentry asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Does a hot object weigh more than a cold one?

What do you think?

Title: Does a hot object weigh more than a cold one?
Post by: graham.d on 01/03/2011 13:13:00

Yes, though not by much! Heat is a measure of the kinetic energy of the atoms or molecules. If an object is heated the energy is higher so the object will weigh slightly more. For any real object on the earth, the difference would not be easily measurable, if at all.

Title: Does a hot object weigh more than a cold one?
Post by: lightarrow on 01/03/2011 13:14:07

Of course. If it's hot has more energy in the frame reference of the object, so E = mc².