Kinetic Energy of gas Molecules

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the total kinetic energy of a 1.0 mol sample of hydrogen gas at 30°C. The initial calculations using the formula K = (3/2)kT yielded an incorrect total kinetic energy of approximately 3775.8 Joules, while the correct approach using K = (5/2)kT for diatomic hydrogen gives a value closer to 3778.7 Joules. Participants emphasized the importance of using the correct formula for diatomic gases and multiplying by Avogadro's number. The second part of the problem involves determining the speed a 75 kg person would need to run to match this kinetic energy, which can be calculated using the equation v = √(2E/m). The discussion highlights the necessity of accurate formula application in thermodynamics.
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 U = \frac{3}{2}nRT, 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:

v = \sqrt{2E/m}

AM
 
Andrew Mason said:
Your method is right. Using U = \frac{3}{2}nRT, 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:

v = \sqrt{2E/m}

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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