The discussion revolves around calculating the new temperature of an ideal gas after a 35% reduction in thermal energy from an initial temperature of 20°C. The initial calculation suggests a new temperature of 13°C, but there is confusion regarding the correctness of this answer. Participants clarify that the internal energy of an ideal gas is directly proportional to temperature, indicating that a 35% reduction in energy corresponds to a 35% reduction in temperature. It is emphasized that using an absolute temperature scale, such as Kelvin, is necessary for accurate calculations. The conversation highlights the importance of ensuring the answer is formatted correctly for submission in educational software.
