Root-mean-square speed of an O2 gas

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the root-mean-square (rms) speed of O2 gas using the ideal gas law and kinetic theory equations. The user initially calculated the temperature (T) as 294 K using the formula T = PV/nR with R = 0.0821 L·atm/(mol·K). However, the user incorrectly used the total mass of the gas instead of the mass of a single molecule in the vrms formula. The correct rms speed, calculated with the mass of one molecule, is approximately 479 m/s, aligning closely with the answer key's value of 478 m/s.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Ideal Gas Law (PV=nRT)
  • Familiarity with kinetic theory of gases and the formula for rms speed (vrms)
  • Knowledge of molecular mass and unit conversions
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations
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  • Learn about the Ideal Gas Law and its applications in real-world scenarios
  • Study the kinetic theory of gases in detail, focusing on the derivation of vrms
  • Explore unit conversions and their importance in gas law calculations
  • Investigate common pitfalls in gas calculations, particularly regarding mass and molecular weight
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Students studying chemistry, particularly those focusing on gas laws and kinetic theory, as well as educators seeking to clarify common misconceptions in gas calculations.

format1998
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Homework Statement



0.280 mol of O2 gas is at a pressure of 3.50 atm and has a volume of 1.93 L.
What is the rms speed (vrms) of the gas molecules?

O2 gas
n = 0.280 mol @ 32 g/mol m = 0.00896 kg
P = 3.50 atm
V = 1.93 L

Homework Equations



PV=nRT -> T = PV/nR

vrms=\sqrt{\frac{3kT}{m}}

The Attempt at a Solution



T=\frac{PV}{nR}=\frac{(3.5 atm * 1.93 L)}{.28 mol (0.0821 \frac{L*atm}{mol*K})} = 294 K

vrms=\sqrt{\frac{3kT}{m}}=\sqrt{\frac{3(1.38E-23 J/K)(294K)}{0.00896 kg}} = 1.166 * 10-9 m/s

According to the answer key, the answer is 478 m/s. What am I doing wrong?



Please help! Thank you in advance. Any and all help is much appreciated!
 
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Check the value of R.
I think that R = 0.0831using your units for R.
 
format1998 said:
vrms=\sqrt{\frac{3kT}{m}}

Also I think that the 'm' in the above formula is the mass of ONE MOLECULE.
 
R = 0.0821 \frac{L*atm}{mol*K}
is the value that is on the book and other tables I found on the net

Using the mass of one molecule of O2 gave me 479 m/s. One digit off but I'll take it or maybe I'm still doing something wrong??


Thank you
 
Sorry. Your value of R is Ok in the units you are using. So i think that your mistake was in m.

One has to be extra careful in this topic because 'm' may stand for 'total mass of gas' or 'mass of one mole' or 'mass of one molecule'.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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