The rms velocity of an oxygen molecule in a gas is 390 m/s. If the absolute temperature is increased by 20%, then what is the rms velocity?
A) 427 m/s
B) 502 m/s
C) 567 m/s
D) 604 m/s
E) 635 m/s

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rms velocity of a gas molecule is directly proportional to the square root of its absolute temperature (T). If the temperature increases by 20%, the new temperature is 1.20T. The new rms velocity, v', can be found using the relation v' = v * sqrt(1.20), where v is the initial velocity. Substituting the given value of 390 m/s for v, we get v' = 390 * sqrt(1.20) ≈ 427 m/s.

The Rms Velocity of an Oxygen Molecule in a Gas