What's the thermal energy of a helium atom?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on understanding the thermal energy of helium atoms, specifically in the context of kinetic energy formulas. The average kinetic energy of a monatomic gas, such as helium, is expressed as <KE> = (3/2)kT, where k is the Boltzmann constant and T is the temperature. The confusion arose regarding the initial question, which was mistakenly about hydrogen instead of helium. To determine the velocity of a helium atom in the photosphere of a star, one must first ascertain the temperature.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinetic energy formulas, specifically E = 1/2 mv^2
  • Familiarity with the Boltzmann constant and its role in thermodynamics
  • Knowledge of the relationship between temperature and atomic velocity
  • Basic concepts of monatomic gases and their properties
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Boltzmann constant and its applications in kinetic theory
  • Learn about the relationship between temperature and atomic velocity in gases
  • Explore the properties of monatomic gases and their average kinetic energy calculations
  • Investigate the conditions in the photosphere of stars and their impact on atomic behavior
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying thermodynamics, kinetic theory, and astrophysics, will benefit from this discussion.

JoAstro
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I have this formula "E= 1/2 mv^2" which I don't fully understand. Also, I don't have the values for helium's mass and velocity.
 
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JoAstro said:
I have this formula "E= 1/2 mv^2" which I don't fully understand. Also, I don't have the values for helium's mass and velocity.
Welcome to PF JoAstro!

It is not clear what your question is. Individual atoms do not have a temperature. But large numbers of atoms can have a temperature. Is the question you are trying to answer: what is the average kinetic energy of a helium atom in a volume of helium gas that is at a particular temperature?

The kinetic energy of a body of mass m moving at speed v is ##KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2##. And the average kinetic energy of the atoms of a monatomic gas at a temperature T is: ##<KE> = \frac{3}{2}kT##

Does that help you?

AM
 
Hi Andrew. Thank you!

I'm not sure about what you say, but I just noticed that I misread the question thinking it was another. The real question was meant for hydrogen which said "What is the typical thermal energy of a hydrogen atom?" However, the question I meant to ask was "What is the velocity of a helium atom in the photosphere of a star?"

I'm sorry about the confusion!

Thanks again.
 
First you need to detrmine the temperature. Then apply the relationship between T and v.

AM
 

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