Chapter 16, Problem 18OQ

A sample of gas with a thermometer immersed in the gas is held over a hot plate. A student is asked to give a step-by-step account of what makes our observation of the temperature of the gas increase. His response includes the following steps. (a) The molecules speed up. (b) Then the molecules collide with one another more often. (c) Internal friction makes the collisions inelastic. (d) Heat is produced in the collisions. (e) The molecules of the gas transfer more energy to the thermometer when they strike it, so we observe that the temperature has gone up. (f) The same process can take place without the use of a hot plate if you quickly push in the piston in an insulated cylinder containing the gas. (i) Which of the parts (a) through (f) of this account are correct statements necessary for a clear and complete explanation? (ii) Which are correct statements that are not necessary to account for the higher thermometer reading? (iii) Which are incorrect statements?