Temperature is identical to mean molecular kinetic energy.

The average molecular kinetic energy is proportional to the absolute temperature.

For example, changes in molecular energy (potential energy), are generally considered to remain within the system.

Her images glow, but they also pulsate with a kind of molecular energy.

The molecular energy of atmospheric gases is so great that all but the heaviest elements long ago whirled off into vacuum.

Figure 3.8 shows a typical curve for the distribution of molecular energies.

Because they're still depending on molecular energy, on chemical reactions, with atomic power sitting right here in our laps.

Since temperature IS molecular kinetic energy, this means that the gas will cool somewhat.

It was an odd way to explain molecular and atomic energy, but it got her meaning across.

And since the combined molecular kinetic energy determines temperature, the air doesn't turn into a freeze-dried mist.