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Homework Statement
Uranium has two naturally occurring isotopes. U_238 has a natural abundance of 99.3% and U_235has an abundance of 0.7%. It is the rarer U_235 that is needed for nuclear reactors. The isotopes are separated by forming uranium hexafluoride UF_6, which is a gas, then allowing it to diffuse through a series of porous membranes. 235UF_6 has a slightly larger rms speed than 238UF_6 and diffuses slightly faster. Many repetitions of this procedure gradually separate the two isotopes. What is the ratio of the rms speed of 238UF_6? to that of 238UF_6 ?
Homework Equations
The relevant equation is only this.
V_rms = ([3*k_b*T]/m)^(1/2)
The Attempt at a Solution
My attempt thus far is
V_rms_1/V_rms_2 = solution ; Simple right?
Let's go further...
1u= 1.6691729*10^-27
([3*k_b*T]/(238*1u)^(1/2)/([3*k_b*T]/(235*1u)^(1/2)
This has come out wrong several times. I believe my error lies in converting the masses somehow since it's the only possible variable. Sadly I don't have a strong background in chem or working with these. Help would be very appreciated.