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

1536 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Newton's Law of Gravitation states: F=GMm/r^2, where G is the gravitational constant (6.67×10−11m^3kg^−1s^−2). Kepler's Third Law, states t^2=kR^3. The mass of the sun is 1.99x10^30kg. Find the value of k and its units


A ball is thrown up with an initial velocity of 8 m/s and initial height of 1.5m above the ground. Calculate the maximum height the ball reaches and the time it takes to get there.


Using Newton's law of universal gravitation, show that T^2 is proportional to r^3 (where T is the orbital period of a planet around a star, and r is the distance between them).


How does a capacitor work and how do I treat it in a circuit?


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