University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 18 - Thermal Properties of Matter - Problems - Discussion Questions - Page 609: Q18.13

Answer

The hidden assumption is that the wall’s temperature is the same as that of the gas.

Work Step by Step

This is equivalent to saying that the collisions between the gas molecules and the wall are elastic, energy is neither gained nor lost from the wall. If the wall temperature differed from that of the gas temperature, the gas would steadily lose or gain energy and the kinetic-molecular model would be invalid.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.