Temperature and Pressure Differences in Identical Rooms

AI Thread Summary
In a scenario with two identical rooms connected by an open doorway, the room with the higher temperature actually contains fewer air molecules due to lower density, contrary to initial assumptions. The pressure remains constant across both rooms because of the open doorway, allowing air to move freely. As the temperature increases, the air expands, leading to a decrease in density and the number of air molecules in the warmer room. The discussion highlights the relationship between temperature, pressure, and density, emphasizing that higher temperature results in lower density. Understanding these principles clarifies the correct answer to the homework question.
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Homework Statement



Two identical rooms in a perfectly insulated house are connected by an open doorway. The temperature in the two rooms are maintained at different values. The room which contains more air molecules is
(1) the one with the higher temperature
(2) the one with the lower temperature
(3) the one with the higher pressure
(4) neither, since both have the same volume

Homework Equations



i can't figure out? do i have to use gas laws like charles law or gay-lussac law?

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Shouldn't really need to refer to any laws to answer this but you could if you wanted.

There are several parameters that describe a volume of gas...

Pressure
Volume
Temperature
Density
etc

Which are constant and which are variable or different in this particular set up?
 
CWatters said:
Shouldn't really need to refer to any laws to answer this but you could if you wanted.

There are several parameters that describe a volume of gas...

Pressure
Volume
Temperature
Density
etc

Which are constant and which are variable or different in this particular set up?
if i take pressure as constant and use charles law then volume is directly proportional to temperature.so higher temperature more air molecules,
but the answer given is option b
 
shrutiphysics said:
if i take pressure as constant and use charles law then volume is directly proportional to temperature.so higher temperature more air molecules, but the answer given is option b

The door is open so the pressure is the same/constant. That bit is correct,

Remind yourself how a hot air balloon works.

The bit about "higher temperature more air molecules" is incorrect.
 
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CWatters said:
The door is open so the pressure is the same/constant. That bit is correct,

Remind yourself how a hot air balloon works.

The bit about "higher temperature more air molecules" is incorrect.
is it like as hot air rise and hence the room with high temp has lower air molecules than the cooler one.
if it is right then maybe i have got it.
 
Yes. Hot air is less dense than cold air (so hot air balloon rises).

Hot air is less dense because there are fewer molecules (less mass) per unit volume.
 
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Imagine if the rooms started at the same temperature (same number of molecules in each). Then you heat one room... The air in the hot room will expand and air molecules will push their way into the colder room until the pressure is the same again.
 
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thanks for leading me to answer.
 
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