Answer to Question #301171 in Molecular Physics | Thermodynamics for Riti

Question

What happens to the air temperature in valley when cold air blowing from mountain top descending to the valley?

Answer 1

Solution

As air descends into the valley, it compresses air already present. The increase in pressure on the valley's air means work is done on the system, W > 0. Hence ∆E_i = W + Q = W > 0. The temperature goes up.