AIIMS2019Physics-Kinetic Theory of Gases

AIIMS 2019 Physics Maxwell's Distribution MCQ Question

Type: MCQ-conceptual-Medium-Class 11

In Maxwell’s speed distribution curve, for N₂ gas, the average of |relative velocity| between two molecules at 300 K will be

A

300 m/sec

B

610 m/sec

C

920 m/sec

D

Zero

Correct Answer

Option B

Detailed Explanation

In Maxwell's speed distribution, the average relative velocity between two nitrogen (N₂) molecules at 300 K can be calculated using the formula vrel=2vavgv_{\text{rel}} = \sqrt{2} \cdot v_{\text{avg}}, where vavgv_{\text{avg}} is the average speed of the molecules. For N₂ at this temperature, vavgv_{\text{avg}} is approximately 430 m/s, leading to an average relative velocity of about 610 m/s, which corresponds to option B. Options A (300 m/s) and D (zero) underestimate the kinetic energy of the gas molecules, while option C (920 m/s) overestimates it, failing to align with the derived average relative velocity for N₂ at the given temperature.

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