What Determines the Average Kinetic Energy of Ideal Gas Molecules?

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SUMMARY

The average kinetic energy of ideal gas molecules is directly determined by the temperature of the gas, denoted as T. The relevant equation is E_k = (3/2)kT, where E_k represents the average kinetic energy and k is the Boltzmann constant. Other factors such as mass, volume, and density of the molecules do not influence the average kinetic energy in this context. Therefore, the correct answer to the homework question is option D, the temperature T of the container.

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Homework Statement



Average Kinetic Energy of the ideal gas molecules inside a container, which is kept at temperature T, depends on __________________.

a) the mass of the molecules
b) the volume of hte molecule
c)the density of the molecule
d)the temperature T of the container

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I would choose D. The only thing that I can find relates to temperature, my professor didn't cover this section very well and I'm not positive about my answer. Thank you very much!
 
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Linzy said:

Homework Statement



Average Kinetic Energy of the ideal gas molecules inside a container, which is kept at temperature T, depends on __________________.

a) the mass of the molecules
b) the volume of hte molecule
c)the density of the molecule
d)the temperature T of the container

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I would choose D. The only thing that I can find relates to temperature, my professor didn't cover this section very well and I'm not positive about my answer. Thank you very much!

You're right. Temperature is a measure of kinetic energy...

E_k=\frac{3k}{2}T.
 

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