Question Regarding Thermal Energy

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving an ideal gas initially at 20°C, which is cooled, resulting in a 35% reduction in thermal energy. Participants are exploring how this reduction affects the new temperature of the gas.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants attempt to calculate the new temperature based on a direct percentage reduction from the initial temperature. Others question the validity of this approach, suggesting the need for a different perspective on the relationship between internal energy and temperature.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing different viewpoints on how to interpret the problem. Some have offered insights into the relationship between internal energy and temperature, while others are seeking clarification and further assistance.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of potential issues with computerized marking software and the need to use an absolute temperature scale, indicating that the problem may involve specific formatting or assumptions that have not been fully addressed.

dismalice
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Homework Statement



An ideal gas is at 20C. The gas is cooled, reducing the thermal energy by 35%, What is the new temperature in C?

Homework Equations


None in particular.


The Attempt at a Solution



35% of 20C is 7, 20-7= 13C
 
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dismalice said:

Homework Statement



An ideal gas is at 20C. The gas is cooled, reducing the thermal energy by 35%, What is the new temperature in C?

Homework Equations


None in particular.


The Attempt at a Solution



35% of 20C is 7, 20-7= 13C
Note the phrase that I have highlighted in red above. :wink:
 
Hootenanny said:
Note the phrase that I have highlighted in red above. :wink:

I do not follow, can you please explain to me what you mean?
 
dismalice said:
I do not follow, can you please explain to me what you mean?
Sorry for being so cryptic. I misread your post - I thought that you were saying the answer was 7, which obviously it isn't! Your answer is correct.
 
Hootenanny said:
Sorry for being so cryptic. I misread your post - I thought that you were saying the answer was 7, which obviously it isn't! Your answer is correct.

Mastering Physics is not taking that answer as correct. Is there another way of looking at this problem?
 
Can anyone else assist me with this problem?
 
dismalice said:
Can anyone else assist me with this problem?
The internal energy of an ideal gas is directly proportional to the temperature. Therefore, a 35% reduction in internal energy will result in a 35% reduction temperature. Unless there is more information that you have provided us with, that is the answer.

Computerised marking software can be notoriously pedantic. Are you sure that you are entering the answer in the correct form? I.e. with/without units, to the correct number of significant figures?
 
Hootenanny said:
The internal energy of an ideal gas is directly proportional to the temperature. Therefore, a 35% reduction in internal energy will result in a 35% reduction temperature. Unless there is more information that you have provided us with, that is the answer.

Computerised marking software can be notoriously pedantic. Are you sure that you are entering the answer in the correct form? I.e. with/without units, to the correct number of significant figures?


Yes, I am 100% sure, I have even tried spelling out Celsius and it refuses to take the response.
 
A gas still has internal energy at 0, -10, even -100°C. You need to work with an absolute temperature scale. Know what I mean?
 

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