Root-mean-square speed of an O2 gas

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the root-mean-square speed of O2 gas given its amount, pressure, and volume. The context is rooted in thermodynamics and gas laws.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the ideal gas law to find temperature and the subsequent calculation of rms speed. There is a focus on the correct interpretation of constants and variables, particularly the mass used in the rms speed formula.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in clarifying the correct values for constants and the interpretation of mass in the context of the rms speed formula. There is recognition of potential discrepancies in calculations, particularly regarding the mass of the gas molecules.

Contextual Notes

There is an ongoing discussion about the appropriate value of the gas constant R and the mass variable in the rms speed equation, highlighting the importance of unit consistency and the distinction between total mass and molecular mass.

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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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