The absolute temperature of a gas is T. In order to double the rms speed of its molecules, what should be the new absolute temperature?
A)4T
B)2T
C)T $\sqrt { 2 }$
D)8T
E)16T

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The root mean square (rms) speed of gas molecules is proportional to the square root of the absolute temperature (v_rms ∝ √T). To double the rms speed, the temperature must be increased by a factor of 4 (since (2v_rms)^2 = 4v_rms^2), so the new temperature should be 4T.

The Absolute Temperature of a Gas Is T 2\sqrt { 2 }2​

The Absolute Temperature of a Gas Is T $\sqrt { 2 }$