What's the thermal energy of a helium atom?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the thermal energy of a helium atom, with initial confusion regarding the question's intent and the relevant formulas. Participants explore concepts related to kinetic energy, temperature, and the behavior of atoms in different contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the formula "E= 1/2 mv^2" but expresses uncertainty about its application and the necessary values for helium's mass and velocity.
  • Another participant clarifies that individual atoms do not have a temperature, suggesting the question may pertain to the average kinetic energy of helium atoms in a gas at a specific temperature, referencing the formula for average kinetic energy: = 3/2 kT.
  • A participant acknowledges a misunderstanding regarding the original question, indicating that the intended inquiry was about the velocity of a helium atom in the photosphere of a star.
  • Another reply suggests determining the temperature first before applying the relationship between temperature and velocity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the original question's intent, with some confusion present regarding the specific inquiry about helium versus hydrogen. Multiple perspectives on the relationship between temperature, velocity, and kinetic energy are discussed.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of clarity regarding the temperature conditions relevant to the discussion, and the relationship between temperature and velocity remains unresolved.

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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