Final answer:
To find the thermal energy change of air warming from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, use the formula Q = mcΔT, resulting in a 500 kJ increase for 50 kg of air with a specific heat of 1,000 J/kg°C.
Step-by-step explanation:
The change in thermal energy of the air when it warms from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius can be calculated using the formula Q = mcΔT. In this case, the mass (m) of the air is 50 kg, the specific heat (c) is 1,000 J/kg°C, and the change in temperature (ΔT) is 10°C.
Plugging the values into the formula:
- Q = (50 kg)(1,000 J/kg°C)(10°C)
- Q = 500,000 J or 500 kJ (since 1,000 J = 1 kJ)
Therefore, the air's thermal energy increases by 500 kJ when the temperature rises from 20°C to 30°C.