A sample of an ideal gas is slowly compressed to one-half its original volume with no change in temperature. What happens to the average speed of the molecules in the sample?
A) It does not change.
B) It halves.
C) It doubles.
D) cannot be determined without more information

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The average speed of molecules in an ideal gas is determined by the temperature of the gas, according to the kinetic theory of gases. Since the temperature does not change during the compression, the average speed of the molecules remains the same.

A Sample of an Ideal Gas Is Slowly Compressed to One-Half