Practice question
Question
A gas mixture has equal numbers of hydrogen and oxygen molecules at 300 K. What is the ratio of their rms speeds? (Molecular mass: H₂ = 2 u, O₂ = 32 u)
Explanation
**Gas mixtures** ideal gas law applies to each component, P_total = Σ n_i R T/V, partial pressure P_i = n_i R T/V, mole tion X_i = n_i/n_total, P_i = X_i P_total, enabling calculation of individual pressures from composition, important for kinetic theory and chemistry. v_rms ∝ (1)/(√(m)), v_H₂v_O₂ = √(m_O)₂m_H₂ = √((32)/(2)) = √(16) = 4. Substituting values gives 4:1, which matches expected kinetic theory result, confirming mean free path λ = 1/(√2 n π d²), ideal gas law P V = n R T and v_rms = √(3 R T/M) relations.
Discussion
Comments
Please log in to join the discussion.
Login to commentNo comments yet. Be the first to start the discussion.