Calculate the root mean squared speed for 16g of oxygen gas at 50(deg Celsius) and explain why we use this instead of the average velocity of all the particles.

Root mean squared speed is given by v(rms) = (3kbT/m)^(0.5) = 501.68. Student should show how to calculate the mass of each particle (m = (0.016)/0.5(6.01x10^23)), convert degrees celsius into kelvin and understand that oxygen is a diatomic molecule so there are half as many molecules as with atomic oxygen.The student should show an understanding that the average velocity in three dimensions will often cancel out, giving an average velocity of zero. So to calculate a truly representative average, the average of the squared (and so strictly positive) velocities must be taken and then rooted. This is particularly important in terms of kinetic energy calculations.

Answered by Jonathan W. Physics tutor

1535 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Determine a vector expression for the position of a particle whose velocity is (3t^2 - 8)i + 5j m/s.


A ball is thrown at speed u = 10.0 m/s at an angle of 30.0 degrees to the ground at height, s = 0. How far does the ball travel horizontally from its starting position? (Ignore air resistance and taking g = 9.81 m/s^2)


A car of mass M and a maximum power output of P is on an rough inclined plane Θ to the horizontal. What is the maximum velocity (v). Coefficient of friction=μ and air resistance=kv where k is constant


State Ohm's Law and the main characteristics of ohmic conductors, giving examples


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences