HC Verma Chapter 23 Problem 48

Problem

He heated 300->600 K. Factor change in (a) rms speed (b) U.

Key Concepts

v_rms ~ sqrt(T); U ~ T

Solution

(a) sqrt(600/300)=sqrt(2)=1.414. (b) 600/300=2.

Answer

(a) x sqrt(2); (b) doubles

Concept Check

Speed ~ sqrt(T); energy ~ T.

Common Mistakes

Applying linear scaling to speed.

Practice Tip

Distinguish speed-ratios (sqrt-T) vs energy-ratios (T).