---
title: "A sample of \\(\\text{Ar}(g)\\) at an initial temperature of \\(360 \\, \\text{K}\\) is introduced into a rigid container whose walls are at an initial temperature of \\(295 \\, \\text{K}\\). Which of the following correctly describes the net transfer of energy at the particulate level as the system approaches thermal equilibrium, and provides the correct justification?"
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url: "https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/119677/"
date_modified: "2026-08-21T17:13:44+00:00"
---

# A sample of \(\text{Ar}(g)\) at an initial temperature of \(360 \, \text{K}\) is introduced into a rigid container whose walls are at an initial temperature of \(295 \, \text{K}\). Which of the following correctly describes the net transfer of energy at the particulate level as the system approaches thermal equilibrium, and provides the correct justification?

A sample of \(\text{Ar}(g)\) at an initial temperature of \(360 \, \text{K}\) is introduced into a rigid container whose walls are at an initial temperature of \(295 \, \text{K}\). Which of the following correctly describes the net transfer of energy at the particulate level as the system approaches thermal equilibrium, and provides the correct justification?

- **A.** Net energy is transferred from the 	ext{Ar} atoms to the container walls because collisions between faster-moving 	ext{Ar} atoms and slower-vibrating wall atoms transfer kinetic energy until both reach the same average kinetic energy.
- **B.** Net energy is transferred from the container walls to the 	ext{Ar} atoms because the stationary wall atoms possess greater potential energy than the moving 	ext{Ar} gas atoms.
- **C.** Net energy is transferred from the 	ext{Ar} atoms to the container walls because the 	ext{Ar} gas does pressure-volume work on the rigid walls of the container.
- **D.** No net energy is transferred between the 	ext{Ar} atoms and the container walls because collisions between gas particles and solid surfaces are elastic and conserve total energy.

*The answer key and step-by-step explanation are available to logged-in users at https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/119677/*