Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]PhysicsKinetic Theory of Gases
At a particular temperature, which of the following gases possesses the highest rms speed?
Options
- Anitrogen
- Boxygen
- Chydrogen
- Dcarbon dioxide
Correct answer
C. hydrogen
Step-by-step solution
The root mean square speed of a gas molecule is given by v_ rms = 3RT M . At a constant temperature, v_ rms 1 M . The molar masses of the given gases are: Nitrogen ( N₂ ) = 28 g/mol Oxygen ( O₂ ) = 32 g/mol Hydrogen ( H₂ ) = 2 g/mol Carbon dioxide ( CO₂ ) = 44 g/mol Since hydrogen has the minimum molar mass, it possesses the highest rms speed.