How does a sample of helium at 15 degree Celsius compare to a sample of helium at 215 K?

A) The helium at 15 degrees Celsius has a higher average kinetic energy that the sample at 215 K.

B) The helium at 15 degrees Celsius has lower nuclear energy that the sample at 215 K.

C) The helium at 15 degrees Celsius has slower - moving atoms that the sample at 215 K.

D) The helium at 15 degrees Celsius has smaller atoms than the sample at 215 K.

A) The helium at 15 degrees Celsius has a higher average kinetic energy that the sample at 215 K.

Explanation:

First, we must compare the two different temperatures in the same units. To convert Celsius into kelvin we must add it 273, so

K = °C + 273 = 15°C + 273 = 288K

And 288K > 215 K then 15°C > 215K

The increase of temperature in a gas sample causes an increase in the atom's movement, i. e. the atoms move faster when they are heated and, for this reason, the kinetic energy of the system increases.

As helium at 15°C (288K) implies that has a higher temperature than helium at 215K, then its kinetic energy will be higher too.

The answer is A.

215K is equivalent to - 58.15 °C and temperature corresponds with the average kinetic energy.

So the 15°C has a higher energy level than 215K.