Question

If the gases of the preceding problem are initially at 300 K, what are their internal energies after they absorb the heat?

a) The internal energies will decrease.

b) The internal energies will remain constant.

c) The internal energies will increase.

d) The internal energies will fluctuate.

Answer 1

The internal energy of an ideal gas will increase after it absorbs heat. This rise is due to an increase in the kinetic energy of the gas molecules at a constant volume.

Step-by-step explanation:

The query regards the change in internal energy of an ideal gas after heat absorption at a constant temperature of 300 K. According to the principles of thermodynamics, when an ideal gas absorbs heat, its internal energy will increase due to a rise in the average kinetic energy of its particles. Considering this, the correct answer to the student's question would be that the internal energies of the gases will increase after they absorb heat, corresponding to option (c) Positive; internal energy will increase.

When discussing ideal gases, internal energy is primarily composed of the kinetic energy of the gas molecules. At a constant volume, any heat added to the gas increases the kinetic energy of the molecules, which in turn increases the internal energy of the gas. Specific heat capacities at constant volume can be used to quantify the amount of heat absorbed and the resultant change in internal energy for monatomic, diatomic, and polyatomic gases.