Final answer:
The change in thermal energy of the air as it warms up from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius is 500 kJ, calculated using the formula Q = mcΔT with given values for the mass of the air, specific heat, and temperature change.
Step-by-step explanation:
The change in thermal energy of the air when it warms up from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius can be calculated using the formula Q = mcΔT, where Q is the heat transferred, m is the mass of the air, c is the specific heat capacity, and ΔT is the change in temperature.
In this case, the mass of the air (m) is 50 kg, the specific heat (c) is 1,000 J/kg°C, and the temperature change (ΔT) is 10°C (30°C - 20°C). Plugging these values into the formula gives us:
Q = (50 kg) * (1,000 J/kg°C) * (10°C) = 500,000 J or 500 kJ.
Therefore, the air's thermal energy will increase by 500 kJ as it warms from 20°C to 30°C.