Solve Kinetic Energy & Velocity for Smallest Molecules: A

In summary, kinetic energy is the energy that an object possesses due to its motion and is directly proportional to its mass and the square of its velocity. It can be calculated using the formula KE = 1/2 * m * v^2. Smaller molecules have lower kinetic energy because they have less mass compared to larger molecules. Velocity affects the kinetic energy of molecules by increasing it at a faster rate. There is a close relationship between kinetic energy and temperature, as higher kinetic energy leads to higher temperature.
  • #1
Linzy
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Homework Statement


Four Containers, kept at the same temperature, have different molecules (A,B,C,D) in gaseous form. The size of the molecules indicates their mass (larger the size, greater the mass). Recalling that Kinetic Energy (KE) is given by KE=.5mv2, choose the container with the smallest average velocity molecules
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/7545/problem3ul3.jpg


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I believe it is B, because larger molecules move slower, but I can't seem to find a way to prove it on my homework.
 
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  • #2
Does it ask you to prove it?
 
  • #3


As a scientist, it is important to always provide a well-supported and evidence-based response. In this case, the statement provided does not include enough information to accurately determine the container with the smallest average velocity molecules. We would need to know the mass of each molecule in order to calculate their velocities and determine the container with the smallest average. Additionally, the temperature of the containers must also be provided, as it affects the average velocity of the molecules. Without this information, it is not possible to accurately solve for the kinetic energy and velocity of the smallest molecules.
 

1. What is kinetic energy and how is it related to velocity?

Kinetic energy is the energy that an object possesses due to its motion. It is directly proportional to the mass of the object and the square of its velocity. This means that as the velocity of an object increases, its kinetic energy also increases.

2. How do you calculate kinetic energy?

Kinetic energy can be calculated using the formula KE = 1/2 * m * v^2, where KE is kinetic energy, m is the mass of the object, and v is the velocity of the object.

3. Why do smaller molecules have a lower kinetic energy than larger molecules?

The kinetic energy of a molecule is directly proportional to its mass. Smaller molecules have less mass compared to larger molecules, therefore they will have a lower kinetic energy at the same velocity.

4. How does velocity affect the kinetic energy of molecules?

The kinetic energy of a molecule is directly proportional to the square of its velocity. This means that as the velocity of a molecule increases, its kinetic energy will increase at a faster rate.

5. What is the relationship between kinetic energy and temperature?

Kinetic energy and temperature are closely related. As the kinetic energy of molecules increases, their motion and collisions also increase, resulting in a higher temperature. In other words, the average kinetic energy of molecules in a substance is directly proportional to its temperature.

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