The average translational kinetic energy of nitrogen molecule

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SUMMARY

The average translational kinetic energy of a nitrogen molecule is calculated using the formula E = (5/2)kT, where k is the Boltzmann constant and T is the temperature in Kelvin. This discussion highlights the distinction between translational and total kinetic energy, emphasizing that for diatomic molecules like nitrogen, the average translational kinetic energy is indeed represented as (3/2)kT for translational motion. The value of E was noted as 1 x 10^-20 Joules in the context of the discussion.

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  • Understanding of kinetic theory of gases
  • Familiarity with the Boltzmann constant (k)
  • Knowledge of temperature scales (Kelvin)
  • Concept of degrees of freedom in molecular physics
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1. The average translational kinetic energy of a nitrogen molecule at temperature is _____


check picture



2.



3. The Attempt at a Solution :
since nitrogen is diatomic then it has 5 degrees of freedom and therefore the average kinetic energy wouldn't be 3/2kt it would rather be 5/2kt and therefore E=1*10^-20
[PLAIN]http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/5361/picba.png
 
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Yes but translational energy would still be 3/2kT.
 

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