JEE MainPhysicsKinetic Theory of Gases
Two identical containers hold Hydrogen ( H₂ ) gas and Oxygen ( O₂ ) gas respectively. If both gases are maintained at the exact same absolute temperature, what is the ratio of the average translational kinetic energy per molecule of Hydrogen to that of Oxygen?
Options
- A1:16
- B16:1
- C4:1
- D1:1
Correct answer
D. 1:1
Step-by-step solution
The average translational kinetic energy per molecule of any ideal gas depends only on its absolute temperature T and is given by the expression 3 2 k_B T , where k_B is the Boltzmann constant. Since both Hydrogen and Oxygen gases are at the same absolute temperature, their average translational kinetic energies per molecule are exactly equal, regardless of their different molecular masses. Therefore, the required ratio is 1:1 . Answer: 1:1