Root-mean-square speed of an O2 gas

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The discussion centers on calculating the root-mean-square speed (vrms) of O2 gas using the ideal gas law and kinetic theory. The initial calculations led to an incorrect vrms value due to confusion over the mass variable (m), which should represent the mass of a single molecule rather than the total mass of the gas. The correct value for the gas constant R was confirmed as appropriate for the units used. After adjusting the mass to that of a single molecule, the recalculated vrms approached the expected answer of 478 m/s. Careful attention to the definitions of variables is crucial in such calculations.
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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'.
 
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