(a) The atmosphere of the sun contains mostly hydrogen atoms (not H2 molecules)
ID: 778958 • Letter: #
Question
(a) The atmosphere of the sun contains mostly hydrogen atoms (not H2 molecules) at a temperature of 6000 K. What are: i. The average translational kinetic energy per atom (b) In our class so far, we have not discussed relativistic effects which become impor- tant when molecules are moving with speeds near the speed of light. Let's say that relativistic effects become important whenv 0.25c where c is the speed of light. For a gas of hydrogen atoms, at what temperature does relativity become important? (c) In light of parts (a) and (b), is relativity an important effect to consider for the atmosphere of the sun?Explanation / Answer
a) Average Kinetic energy = 3/2 kT
where k = R/Na , R = universal gas constant . Na = avogadro's constant
KE(avg) = 3/2 * (8.314 / 6.023*10^23) * 6000
= 1.24*10^-19 J
ii) rms speed = sqrt(3RT / m)
=sqrt(3*8.314*6000 / 10^-3)
= 12233.23 m/s
Related Questions
Navigate
Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.