Oxygen molecules are 16 times more massive than hydrogen molecules. At a given temperature, how do their average molecular speeds compare? The oxygen molecules are moving
A) at 1/4 the speed.
B) 16 times faster.
C) 4 times faster.
D) the same as the hydrogen molecules.
E) at 1/16 the speed.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The average speed of molecules in a gas is inversely proportional to the square root of their mass (v ∝ 1/√m). Since oxygen molecules are 16 times more massive than hydrogen molecules, their average speed would be √16 = 4 times slower, or 1/4 the speed of hydrogen molecules.

Oxygen Molecules Are 16 Times More Massive Than Hydrogen Molecules