Physics-Kinetic Interpretation of Temperature

NEET Physics Kinetic Interpretation of Temperature MCQ Question

Type: MCQ-numerical-Hard-Class 11

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?

A

Hydrogen, by a factor of 4

B

Hydrogen, by a factor of 16

C

Oxygen, by a factor of 4

D

Oxygen, by a factor of 16

Correct Answer

Option A

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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