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Physics Question 23 – NEET-UG 2023

The temperature of a gas is −50∘ C. To what temperature the gas should be heated so that the rms speed is increased by 3 times?

The root mean square (rms) speed of gas molecules is related to its absolute temperature.

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Ninja Strategy•Proportionality and Magnitude Estimation

Recognize that vrms∝T. If speed increases by a factor of X, temperature must increase by X2. An increase 'by 3 times' means the speed becomes 4 times the original, so the temperature must become 42=16 times the original absolute temperature. Quickly estimate which option is roughly 16 times the initial absolute temperature (223 K).

Step 1: Convert Initial Temperature to Kelvin✦ Active

The initial temperature is given as T1=−50∘ C. To use the gas laws, temperature must be in Kelvin. Convert Celsius to Kelvin by adding 273:

T1=−50+273=223 K
Step 2: Relate RMS Speed to Absolute Temperature○ Expand

The root mean square (rms) speed of gas molecules is directly proportional to the square root of the absolute temperature (vrms∝T). The problem states that the rms speed is "increased by 3 times". In physics, "increased by N times" means the new value is (N+1) times the original value. So, the final rms speed vrms2 is 4 times the initial rms speed vrms1.

vrms2vrms1=4

Using the proportionality, we can write:

vrms2vrms1=T2T1 \text{Substituting the ratio of speeds:}
4=T2223
💡 Teacher's Secret Hint

Pay close attention to the phrasing "increased by 3 times" vs. "increased to 3 times". The former implies Xfinal=(1+3)Xinitial.

Step 3: Calculate the Final Temperature○ Expand

Square both sides of the equation to solve for T2:

42=T2223⟹16=T2223

Now, calculate T2 in Kelvin:

T2=16×223=3568 K

Finally, convert T2 back to Celsius, as the options are in Celsius:

T2(in ∘C)=3568−273=3295∘ C

This matches option (2).

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