Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of a gas?

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Temperature is defined as a measure of average kinetic energy, primarily applicable to ideal monoatomic gases. In these gases, velocity distributions lead to kinetic energy distributions characterized by temperature. However, this concept does not extend to all gases, as real gases exhibit additional forms of internal energy, including rotational, vibrational, and electronic energy. These additional energy forms complicate the relationship between temperature and kinetic energy in non-ideal gases. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurately applying thermodynamic principles across different gas types.
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Why do they say temperature is a measure of average kinetic energy how is this possible. how can we take it is it applicable for all types of gases?
 
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Avanthica said:
how can we take it is it applicable for all types of gases?
Apparently all types of gases behave very similarly -- almost like an ideal gas .

For such an ideal gas one can derive velocity distributions ##\Rightarrow## kinetic energy distributions that have a parameter ##T##. And that parameter ##T## we call the temperature.
 
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Avanthica said:
Why do they say temperature is a measure of average kinetic energy how is this possible. how can we take it is it applicable for all types of gases?
It is not applicable for all types of gasses. It is only applicable for ideal monoatomic gasses. For other gasses thermal energy involves other forms of internal energy
 
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Dale said:
other forms of internal energy
What are the other forms of internal energy taken here?
 
Avanthica said:
What are the other forms of internal energy taken here?
Rotational, vibrational, electronic, etc.
 
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