The most probable speed of an oxygen molecule in the gas phase at room temperature is 450 m/s. The root-mean-square speed (u_rms) is therefore A)equal to 450 m/s. B)slightly less than 450 m/s. C)much less than 450 m/s. D)slightly greater than 450 m/s. E)much greater than 450 m/s.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The root-mean-square speed is always higher than the most probable speed because it accounts for the square root of the average of the squared speeds, which gives more weight to higher speeds.

The Most Probable Speed of an Oxygen Molecule in the Gas