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Question

The rms speed of nitrogen molecules is 516 m/s at 300 K. What is the rms speed of oxygen molecules at the same temperature? (Molecular mass: N₂ = 28 u, O₂ = 32 u)

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Explanation

**Temperature dependence of RMS speed** v_rms ∝ √T, doubling T increases v_rms by √2≈1.414, e.g., at 300 K v_rms for O₂ ≈483 m/s, at 600 K ≈683 m/s, illustrating kinetic theory relation between temperature and molecular motion, average kinetic energy ½ m v_rms² =3/2 k_B T. v_rms ∝ (1)/(√(m)), v_O₂v_N₂ = √(m_N)₂m_O₂.v_O₂516 = √((28)/(32)) = √(0.875) ≈ 0.935.v_O₂ = 516 × 0.935 ≈ 482 m/s. Substituting values gives 482 m/s, 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.

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