What Is the RMS Speed of a Nitrogen Molecule at 35°C?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the root mean square (RMS) speed of a nitrogen molecule at a temperature of 35°C, utilizing the equation V(rms) = sqrt((3RT)/M). Participants are exploring the implications of unit conversions and the molecular mass of nitrogen.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the initial calculation of RMS speed and question the unit conversion from grams to kilograms. There are also inquiries about the mass of nitrogen molecules versus nitrogen atoms.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants providing guidance on unit conversions and clarifying the molecular nature of nitrogen. There is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the original calculation, but productive questions are being raised.

Contextual Notes

Participants are addressing the need to convert mass from grams to kilograms for the calculations and are considering the distinction between the mass of nitrogen atoms and nitrogen molecules.

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Homework Statement



Compute the rms speed of a nitrogen molecule of 35.0 celsius.

Homework Equations



V(rms) = sqrt((3RT)/M)

The Attempt at a Solution



I plugged in 8.31 for R and 308 K for T and 14.0 g/mol for M. I arrived at a solution of 23.4 m/s but this answer came back as incorrect in online homework. However, I used this value to complete parts b and c to this question and correctly completed them. What gives?
 
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Did you change g to Kg?
 
A couple of questions to ponder:

(a) If 1 mole of nitrogen atoms has a mass of 14.0 g, then a mole of nitrogen molecules has a mass of ____?

(b) If 1 mole of nitrogen molecules has a mass of (insert answer to a here), then a single nitrogen molecule has a mass of ____?

Also, as Dadface said, convert from g to kg.
 
Nitrogen is a diatomic molecule. Thanks for the reminder...all is well.
 

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