What type of molecule has the highest average speed in a room filled with gases?

In summary, the question is asking which type of molecule has the highest average speed among oxygen, nitrogen, water, and carbon dioxide in a room. The equation 1/2 mv^2 = 3/2 kT states that the molecular speed of gases at constant temperature is inversely proportional to the square root of the molecular mass. Therefore, the lightest molecule, which is water with a mass of 18 g, will have the highest average speed.
  • #1
PeachBanana
191
0

Homework Statement



The gases in this room include oxygen (molar
mass 32 g), nitrogen (28 g), water (18 g), and
carbon dioxide (44 g). Which type of molecule has
the highest average speed?

A) O2
B) N2
C) H2O
D) CO2
E) They have the same average speed.

Homework Equations



1/2 mv^2 = 3/2 kT

The Attempt at a Solution



Is the answer water because it's mass is the smallest?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The molecular speed of gases at constant temperature varies inversely with the square root of the molecular mass. So the lightest molecule will go the fastest.
 
  • #3
Thanks for replying. Sorry if it seemed obvious - I'm doing review problems without looking at the answers.
 

1. How do gases behave at different temperatures?

Gases behave differently at different temperatures due to the kinetic theory of gases. As the temperature increases, the average speed of gas molecules increases, causing them to collide more frequently and with greater force. This results in an increase in pressure and volume of the gas.

2. What is the relationship between gas pressure and volume?

According to Boyle's Law, there is an inverse relationship between gas pressure and volume. This means that as the volume of a gas decreases, the pressure increases, and vice versa, as long as the temperature remains constant.

3. How does the average speed of gas molecules affect diffusion?

The higher the average speed of gas molecules, the faster they will diffuse. This is because faster-moving molecules are more likely to collide with other molecules and spread out more quickly.

4. How does the mass of gas molecules affect the average speed?

The mass of gas molecules does not directly affect their average speed. However, it does affect the rate of diffusion, as lighter molecules will diffuse faster than heavier ones at the same temperature.

5. What is the relationship between gas temperature and average speed?

According to the kinetic theory of gases, the average speed of gas molecules is directly proportional to the temperature. This means that as the temperature increases, the average speed of gas molecules also increases.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
2
Views
205
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
6K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
777
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
4K
Back
Top