Question

Assuming that the surface of the Sun has a temperature of approximately 9,987 F, calculate the average kinetic energy in J of hydrogen atoms on that layer of the Sun.

Answer 1

To calculate the average kinetic energy of hydrogen atoms on the surface of the Sun, we can use the equation for average kinetic energy:

Average Kinetic Energy = (3/2) * Boltzmann's constant * Temperature

First, we need to convert the temperature from Fahrenheit to Kelvin since the Boltzmann's constant is given in SI units. The conversion formula is:

Temperature (in Kelvin) = (Temperature in Fahrenheit - 32) * (5/9) + 273.15

So, let's calculate the temperature in Kelvin:

Temperature (in Kelvin) = (9,987 - 32) * (5/9) + 273.15 ≈ 5,537.92 K

Now, we can calculate the average kinetic energy:

Average Kinetic Energy = (3/2) * Boltzmann's constant * Temperature

where Boltzmann's constant is approximately 1.38 x 10^-23 J/K.

Average Kinetic Energy ≈ (3/2) * (1.38 x 10^-23 J/K) * 5,537.92 K

Average Kinetic Energy ≈ 1.29 x 10^-21 J

Therefore, the average kinetic energy of hydrogen atoms on the surface of the Sun is approximately 1.29 x 10^-21 Joules.