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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of temperature as a measure of average kinetic energy in gases, exploring its applicability to different types of gases, particularly in relation to ideal gases versus real gases.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question how temperature can be defined as a measure of average kinetic energy and its applicability to all types of gases.
  • One participant suggests that all gases behave similarly to an ideal gas, allowing for the derivation of velocity and kinetic energy distributions that include a temperature parameter.
  • Another participant argues that the definition of temperature as average kinetic energy is not applicable to all gases, stating it is only valid for ideal monoatomic gases.
  • Participants discuss the existence of other forms of internal energy in gases, such as rotational, vibrational, and electronic energy.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the applicability of the temperature-kinetic energy relationship to all gases, with some asserting it is limited to ideal monoatomic gases while others suggest broader applicability under certain conditions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the assumptions regarding gas behavior, particularly the distinction between ideal and real gases, and the implications for defining temperature.

Avanthica
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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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