Thermodynamics Pressure Calculation

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the total translational kinetic energy (KE) of helium atoms in a spherical balloon with a diameter of 26.0 cm, at a temperature of 46.0 °C and an internal pressure of 121.6 kPa. The user initially attempts to use the formula KE=3/2kT and the ideal gas law to find the number of molecules, but struggles to arrive at the correct answer of 1680J. There is confusion regarding the use of Kelvin for temperature and the calculations for the number of moles. Ultimately, the user resolves their issue and acknowledges the accidental duplicate posting. The thread highlights common pitfalls in thermodynamic calculations and the importance of unit conversions.
mexqwerty
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A spherical balloon is filled with helium atoms (Note: 1 atm = 101.3 kPa).
What is the total translational KE of the atoms if the balloon has a diameter 26.0 cm at 46.0 °C and the pressure inside the balloon is 121.6 kPa?

The answer is 1680J but I can't get it.

I used KE=3/2kT (in J/molecule) and then multiplied that number by the number of molecules PV=nRT. Am I working it out wrong or using the wrong numbers (like should I use Kelvin for temperatures)?

KE=3/2*1.38x10^-23*46 =2.4x10^21
V= 4/3*pi *radius^3 =4/3*pi*(13/100)^3 =9.2*10^-3
n=PV/RT = (121.6*9.2x10^-3)/(8.314*(46+273)) Not sure if I should use Kelvin here
n= 4.22x10^-4
KE*n = 2.4x10^21* 4.22x10^-4=1x10^18J (which is so off the right answer).
 
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Oops. Somehow my thread got posted twice...? Sorry...
I don't know how to delete...
 
never mind. I got it. Thanks for looking anyway.
 
mexqwerty said:
Oops. Somehow my thread got posted twice...? Sorry...
I don't know how to delete...

Click on Edit button, look for Delete button.

Note that Edit is active only for a limited period of time, if you will wait for too long, posts is no longer editable.
 
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