The average kinetic energy of atoms or molecules is proportional to the absolute temperature, T. You understand that already. (Note that is independent of atom or molecule weight!)
KE2/KE1 = (3/2)kT2/[(3/2)kT1] = T2/T1
The absolute temperature increases by a factor (273+40)/(273+20)= 313/293
So that is the answer.
The temperature of a sample of neon is raised from 20 degrees C to 40 degrees C, the average kinetic energy of the neon atoms changes by a factor of?
The answer is suppose to be 313/293, but I don't get how.
My idea was since average KE = (3/2) kT then the KE would only change by 2. Can you help explain this to me?
4 answers
Temperature should be in Kelvin
1/3
He is right