Question

Estimate the average thermal energy of a helium atom at the temperature on the surface of the Sun (6000 K).

Answer 1

On the surface of the sun, T = 6000 K

Average thermal energy = ${\displaystyle \frac{3}{2}}$ kT

${\displaystyle =\frac{3}{2}\times 1.38\times {10}^{-38}\times 6000}$

${\displaystyle =1.241\times {10}^{-19}}$ J

Hence, the average thermal energy of a helium atom on the surface of the sun is 1.241 × 10^–19 J.