Relation between kinetic energy and temperature for hydrogen

[magodiafano]

Hello
I have a question about the relationship between kinetic energy and temperature for the hydrogen.

In my professor's note, there is written that:

(1/2)m*(v^2) = (1/2)*K*T

where m is the mass, K the costant and T the temperature in Kelvin.

My doubt is in the fact that on internet I discovered that the relation is:

(1/2)m*(v^2) = (3/2)*K*T

so are my professor's notes wrong?

 

[aeroguy77]

There is a rather long, but simple derivation of the mean kinetic energy of a particle related to temperature (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinetic_theory). As you can see, your professor made a mistake and it is indeed (3/2)KT. Take into account however, that this is only applicable for an ideal gas.

 

[Curl]

he ain't wrong he was talking about one component of velocity