A container is divided in two parts: One part contains Oxygen Gas ($n_{1}$ moles,at Temperature $T1$) and the other part contains helium gas ($n_{2}$ moles, at temperature $T2$). The partition separating them is removed. We need to find the final temperature of the mixture $(T)$.
A container is divided in two parts: one part contains oxygen gas $(n_1$ moles, at temperature $T_1)$ and the other part contains helium gas $(n_2$ moles, at temperature $T_2).$ The partition separating them is removed. Find the final temperature of the mixture $(T).$
While solving this (multiple choice exam) question, since I was constrained by time, I started to look for hints within the question.I I realized the question has explicitly mentioned the gases:, i.e. it gave us information about their degrees of freedom. (since oxygen is diatomic and helium is monoatomic). So my instinct was that this had to do something with $Cv$.$C_V.$ At the time, I hypothesized $\Delta{U}_{sys}=0$.$\Delta{U}_\mathrm{sys} = 0.$ Thus: $$n_{1}*(5R/2)(T-T1) + n_{2}*(3R/2)(T-T2)=0$$
$$n_1\frac{5R}{2}(T - T_1) + n_2\frac{3R}{2}(T - T_2) = 0$$ $$T=\dfrac{5n_{1}T1+3n_2T2}{5n1+3n2}$$$$T = \frac{5n_1T_1 + 3n_2T_2}{5n_1 + 3n_2}$$
Which was indeed one of the options, and infactin fact, the correct one.
However, Isis there any rigorous method/reasoning that tells us why exactlyexactly is it that $\Delta{U}_{sys}=0?$$\Delta{U}_\mathrm{sys} = 0?$ I cantcan't think of a satisfactory explanation.I I tried to analyze it using the first law of thermodynamics, but that clearly seems to be the wrong approach.