On a cold winter day when the temperature is −20∘c, what amount of heat is needed to warm to body temperature (37 ∘c) the 0.50 l of air exchanged with each breath? assume that the specific heat of air is 1020 j/kg⋅k and that 1.0 l of air has mass 1.3×10−3kg.

75.6J

Explanation:

Hi!

To solve this problem we must use the first law of thermodynamics that states that the heat required to heat the air is the difference between the energy levels of the air when it enters and when it leaves the body,

Given the above we have the following equation.

Q=(m)(h2)-(m)(h1)

where

m=mass=1.3×10−3kg.

h2= entalpy at 37C

h1= entalpy at -20C

Q=m(h2-h1)

remember that the enthalpy differences for the air can approximate the specific heat multiplied by the temperature difference

Q=mCp(T2-T1)

Cp= specific heat of air = 1020 J/kg⋅K

Q=(1.3×10−3)(1020)(37-(-20))=75.6J

scattering of light by tiny particles in air to produce the colors we see on sky, is dependent on the following factors:

(i) wavelength of light

(ii) size of the scattering particle  

(iii) distance traveled by light through the atmosphere.

according to rayleigh's law of scattering, the amount of scattering is inversely proportional to the fourth power of its wavelength. shorter the wavelength, greater is its scattering. hence violet/blue light is scattered more than red.

sun's light is a composite light ( visible light) with wavelengths in the range 400 nm (violet) to 700 nm (red). as sunlight passes through our atmosphere, the molecules of air scatter light according to their wavelengths. during sunrise and sunset, the sun's position is below the horizon. hence light from the sun travels a greater distance in the atmosphere when compared to its position a noon.

as sunlight enters the earth's atmosphere, blue light is scattered away and at the end of its journey in the sky, only red and orange wavelengths remain in the beam.

hence at sunrise and sunset, the sky appears reddish orange.