Solving the Mystery of Helium's Temperature Increase

In summary, the special property of helium states that its internal energy is directly proportional to its absolute temperature. When a flask of helium with a temperature of 20 C is heated to twice its internal energy, the resulting temperature is 313 C. This is determined by converting the temperature to the absolute scale, doubling the internal energy, and then converting back to Celsius.
  • #1
Runaway
48
0

Homework Statement


Helium has the special property that its internal energy is directly proportional to its
absolute temperature. Consider a flask of helium with a temperature of 20 C.
If it is heated to twice its internal energy, what will its temperature be?
1. 293 C
2. 313 C
3. 40 C
4. None of these
5. 293 K
6. 313 K


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I have no idea how to solve this, I thought it would be 40C but the online homework said it was wrong.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2


Runaway said:
Helium has the special property that its internal energy is directly proportional to its
absolute temperature.

So Internal Energy is proportional to absolute temperature:

[tex]U(T) \propto T[/tex]

Consider a flask of helium with a temperature of 20 C.
If it is heated to twice its internal energy, what will its temperature be?
1. 293 C
2. 313 C
3. 40 C
4. None of these
5. 293 K
6. 313 K
What scale would we use for absolute temperature? Convert 20C to that scale. Let the internal energy be U. If you double the internal energy, what happens to the absolute temperature? Convert that temperature back to Celsius to see if it fits with any of the suggested answers. Hint: it is not "4. None of these".

AM
 
  • #3


2. 313 C
I accidentally skipped over the absolute temp. part, thanks for your help :)
 

1. What is the mystery surrounding helium's temperature increase?

The mystery surrounding helium's temperature increase is the fact that its temperature increases as it moves from the Earth's surface to the upper atmosphere, contrary to what is expected according to the laws of thermodynamics.

2. What are the current theories about this phenomenon?

There are several theories that attempt to explain this phenomenon, including the presence of unknown particles or radiation in the upper atmosphere, the influence of solar wind, or the effects of Earth's magnetic field on helium atoms.

3. How are scientists working to solve this mystery?

Scientists are conducting experiments and using advanced technology, such as satellites and high-altitude balloons, to collect data and analyze the behavior of helium atoms in the upper atmosphere. They are also collaborating with other experts in the fields of physics, chemistry, and atmospheric science to gain a better understanding of this phenomenon.

4. What are the potential implications of solving this mystery?

The implications of solving this mystery are significant, as it could lead to a better understanding of the laws of thermodynamics and the behavior of gases in the upper atmosphere. It could also have practical applications in fields such as aerospace engineering and climate science.

5. Is there a timeline for when this mystery will be solved?

There is no specific timeline for when this mystery will be solved, as it depends on the progress of ongoing research and the development of new technologies. However, scientists are actively working towards finding an explanation for helium's temperature increase and making progress towards solving this intriguing mystery.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
28
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
906
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
25
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
Back
Top