Problem Relating Temperature and Thermal Energy

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SUMMARY

The problem involves calculating the new temperature of an ideal gas after a 35% reduction in thermal energy from an initial temperature of 40°C. The correct approach requires converting the Celsius temperature to Kelvin, as thermal energy is proportional to absolute temperature. The initial temperature in Kelvin is 313.15 K, and after reducing the thermal energy by 35%, the new temperature is calculated to be 243.15 K, which converts to -30°C. The initial calculation of 26°C was incorrect due to not accounting for the absolute temperature scale.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of ideal gas laws
  • Knowledge of temperature conversion between Celsius and Kelvin
  • Familiarity with the concept of thermal energy
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
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  • Study the ideal gas law and its applications
  • Learn about thermal energy and its relation to temperature
  • Practice temperature conversions between Celsius and Kelvin
  • Explore problems involving percentage changes in thermal energy
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Students studying thermodynamics, physics enthusiasts, and anyone looking to understand the relationship between temperature and thermal energy in ideal gases.

chinnie15
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Homework Statement


An ideal gas is at 40°C. The gas is cooled, reducing the thermal energy by 35%. What is the new temperature in °C?

Homework Equations


I'm not sure there is one?

The Attempt at a Solution



Since, in an ideal gas, thermal energy is proportional to temperature, I multiplied 40°C by .35 and got a change of 14°C. After subtracting, I get a resulting temperature of 26°C. But, the online program is telling me this is incorrect? Am I doing something wrong?

Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Thermal energy of the ideal gas is proportional to the absolute temperature.

ehild
 
Ohh, ok. I got it now, thanks! :) The answer is -70C.
 

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