NEET Physics Kinetic Interpretation of Temperature MCQ Question
Given two gases, hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2), are at the same temperature, which gas will have the larger root mean square speed, and by what factor approximately?
Hydrogen, by a factor of 4
Hydrogen, by a factor of 16
Oxygen, by a factor of 4
Oxygen, by a factor of 16
Correct Answer
Detailed Explanation
At the same temperature, lighter molecules have greater rms speed. Since hydrogen is lighter than oxygen, it has a higher rms speed. The rms speed is inversely proportional to the square root of the molecular mass, and the molecular mass of hydrogen is about 16 times less than that of oxygen, leading to a factor of about 4.
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