Eli5 when temperature is just how much molecules move, why can our skin be permanently damaged if they move to much, aka, you get a burn.

Question

Eli5 when temperature is just how much molecules move, why can our skin be permanently damaged if they move to much, aka, you get a burn.

In: 131

Answer 1

Because when you move those molecules too much they either break, react, or don’t go back to where they’re supposed to be.

Imagine an outcome for each.

Break: you melt or disintegrate.

React: you literally burn or dissolve.

Don’t go back: you crumble or fall apart.

Being caught in an intense fire can and will do all of these things to you, just by making your molecules move way, way too much.