What is the average velocity of the molecules in a gas?

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SUMMARY

The average velocity of gas molecules is determined by factors such as temperature, pressure, and the mass of the gas. In the discussion, Cathy seeks clarification on calculating the mean square speed and root mean square speed of helium (He) gas under specific conditions (2 moles, 105 Pa pressure, 0.5 m³ volume). The average kinetic energy of gas particles at 400ºC is also addressed, emphasizing the relationship between temperature and molecular speed. The calculations presented utilize the ideal gas law and kinetic theory principles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the ideal gas law (PV = nRT)
  • Familiarity with kinetic theory of gases
  • Knowledge of mean square speed and root mean square speed calculations
  • Basic thermodynamics concepts, particularly relating to kinetic energy
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the root mean square speed formula for gases
  • Explore the relationship between temperature and kinetic energy in gases
  • Learn about the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution of molecular speeds
  • Investigate the effects of pressure and volume on gas behavior using the ideal gas law
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or chemistry, educators teaching gas laws and kinetic theory, and anyone interested in understanding molecular behavior in gases.

CathyLou
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I'd really appreciate it if someone could please give me some hints over how to do the following questions as I'm currently really stuck.

8.

(a) What is the average velocity of the molecules in a gas?

(b) Explain your answer.

9. Two moles of He gas are at a pressure of 105 Pa and have a volume of 0.5m3.

(a) What is the mean square speed of the He atoms?

(b) What is the root mean square speed of the He atoms?

10. What is the average kinetic energy of the particles of a gas at 400ºC?


Thank you.

Cathy
 
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CathyLou said:
I'd really appreciate it if someone could please give me some hints over how to do the following questions as I'm currently really stuck.

8.

(a) What is the average velocity of the molecules in a gas?

(b) Explain your answer.

9. Two moles of He gas are at a pressure of 105 Pa and have a volume of 0.5m3.

(a) What is the mean square speed of the He atoms?

(b) What is the root mean square speed of the He atoms?

10. What is the average kinetic energy of the particles of a gas at 400ºC?
Why not show us what your thoughts are first?

What does the speed of molecules in a gas depend on? How is the distribution of speeds in a gas expressed mathematically?

AM
 
It is something to do with the mass of the gas and its volume or the pressure that it is under?
 
I'm now okay with number 10 but am still stuck on the others.

Here is my working so far for 9a:

PV = (1 x 105) x 0.5

PV = 50000

PV = nRT

So 50000 = 2 x 8.31 x T

T = 3008ºK

½ m x average speed squared = 3/2 k T

k = 1.38 x 10-23

so ½ m x average speed squared = 6.23 x 10-20


I'd really appreciate it if someone could please tell me what I've done wrong.

Thank you.

Cathy
 
Your method is correct but how does PV = 105 x 0.5 = 50000 :rolleyes:
 

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