Kinetic Energy of gas Molecules

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the total kinetic energy of a 1.0 mol sample of hydrogen gas at a temperature of 30°C, and determining the equivalent speed of a 75 kg person to match that kinetic energy. The relevant equations for kinetic energy in this context are noted, specifically K = (3/2)kT and K = (3/2)nRT.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of kinetic energy formulas and the calculations involved. There are attempts to verify the correctness of the methods used, with some participants expressing confusion over discrepancies in results when submitting answers to an online homework platform.

Discussion Status

Some participants have confirmed that the initial approach to calculating kinetic energy was correct, while others have suggested alternative formulations. There is ongoing exploration of the implications of using different constants and the significance of significant figures in the final answer.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the homework platform requires answers in a specific format, which has led to confusion regarding the acceptance of their calculated values. There is also mention of the diatomic nature of hydrogen affecting the kinetic energy calculation.

Dulcis21
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Hi, the question, I'm having problems with is this:

A 1.0 mol sample of hydrogen gas has a temperature of 30 C. What is the total kinetic energy of all the gas molecules in the sample? How fast would a 75 kg person have to run to have the same kinetic energy?
Relevant equations:
K = (3/2)kT
or K = (3/2)nRT

Ok, so I tried using both formulas:

(3/2)(1.38*10^-23)(30+273) = 6.2721 * 10^-21

Then, since its one mole and the question asks for the total KE, I multiplied this answer by Avogadro's number (6.02*10^23) and got

= 3775.8042 Joules.

For the second part, I would just set this number equal to 0.5mv^2 and solve for v but since I got the first one wrong, it doesn't quite work :(


I really need help; I thought I had the right idea but it's not working out. Thanks
 
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Dulcis21 said:
A 1.0 mol sample of hydrogen gas has a temperature of 30 C. What is the total kinetic energy of all the gas molecules in the sample? How fast would a 75 kg person have to run to have the same kinetic energy?



Relevant equations:
K = (3/2)kT
or K = (3/2)nRT




Ok, so I tried using both formulas:

(3/2)(1.38*10^-23)(30+273) = 6.2721 * 10^-21

Then, since its one mole and the question asks for the total KE, I multiplied this answer by Avogadro's number (6.02*10^23) and got

= 3775.8042 Joules.
Your method is right. Using [itex]U = \frac{3}{2}nRT[/itex], U = 1.5*8.314*303 = 3778.7 Joules.

For the second part, I would just set this number equal to 0.5mv^2 and solve for v but since I got the first one wrong, it doesn't quite work
Think of one mole or 1 gram of hydrogen possessing 3778.7 J of kinetic energy. The effective average (rms) velocity is:

[tex]v = \sqrt{2E/m}[/tex]

AM
 
Andrew Mason said:
Your method is right. Using [itex]U = \frac{3}{2}nRT[/itex], U = 1.5*8.314*303 = 3778.7 Joules.

Think of one mole or 1 gram of hydrogen possessing 3778.7 J of kinetic energy. The effective average (rms) velocity is:

[tex]v = \sqrt{2E/m}[/tex]

AM


I thought my method was right but my homework web-assign isn't accepting that answer :(
It asked for it in 2 sig figs so i put it in as 3.8 *10^3 but it still said no...
 
Dulcis21 said:
I thought my method was right but my homework web-assign isn't accepting that answer :(
It asked for it in 2 sig figs so i put it in as 3.8 *10^3 but it still said no...

Oh I figured it out lol, it needed (5/2)kT to work and then multiply by Avogadro's number.
 
Dulcis21 said:
Oh I figured it out lol, it needed (5/2)kT to work and then multiply by Avogadro's number.
Of course. H2 is diatomic.

AM
 

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