Explain why the air temperature rises, and why the plunger must be pushed in very quickly.

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Explanation:

With the work done on the gas in the Piston, the thermal energy increases. When a gas is compressed, the gas add energy.

Considering the first law of thermodynamics, the law states that heat energy cannot be created nor destroyed. The law deals with the conservation of energy. The law can be represented mathematically by the formula given below;

∆E(thermal) = Q + W(1).

Where Q= heat and W is the work done.

Also, ∆E(thermal) = W.(2).

To ignite the cotton, the thermal temperature will then increase the temperature.

This increase in thermal energy must be done quickly, for it not to be transferred to the surrounding.

let that person have a turn to speak : )