Question

Scientists plan to release a space probe that will enter the atmosphere of a gaseous planet. The temperature of the gaseous planet varies linearly with the height of the atmosphere. The delicate instruments on board completely fail at a height of 61.5 kilometers. What is the approximate temperature at this altitude?
A. 200 K

B. 250 K

C. 300 K

D. 400 K

E. 450 K

Answer 1

Answer: E. 450 K

Explanation:

It is given that the temperature of the gaseous planet is linearly related with height of the atmosphere. we can write this in the mathematical equation:

y = m x +c

where y is the temperature values, x is height, m is the slope and c is the y-intercept. we have been given two sets of value in the image, using which we can find the value of slope in y-intercept.

at x = 18.40 km, y = 147.54 K

⇒147.54 = 18.40 m + c      

⇒c = 147.54 - 18.40 m  ..(1)

at x =78.11 km, y = 567.00 K

⇒567.00 =78.11 m + c       ..(2)

Put equation 1 in 2 and solve:

⇒567.00 =78.11 m + 147.54 - 18.40 m

⇒419.46 = 59.71 m

⇒ m =419.46 ÷59.71 = 7.025 K/km

c = 147.54 - 18.40 × 7.025 = 18.28 K

At height, x = 61.5 km the approximate temperature is :

y = 7.025 K/km ×  61.5 km + 18.28 K = 450.3 K

Thus, the approximate temperature at altitude 61.5 km is 450 K.