Oxygen molecules are 16 times more massive than hydrogen molecules. At a given temperature, how do their average molecular speeds compare? The oxygen molecules are moving
A)four times faster than the hydrogen molecules.
B)at 1/4 the speed of the hydrogen molecules.
C)sixteen times faster than the hydrogen molecules.
D)at 1/16 the speed of the hydrogen molecules.
E)at 1/ $\sqrt { 2 }$ the speed of the hydrogen molecules.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the kinetic theory of gases, the average speed of gas molecules is inversely proportional to the square root of their masses. Since oxygen molecules are 16 times more massive than hydrogen molecules, their average speed is 1/4 that of hydrogen molecules.

Oxygen Molecules Are 16 Times More Massive Than Hydrogen Molecules 2\sqrt { 2 }2​

Oxygen Molecules Are 16 Times More Massive Than Hydrogen Molecules $\sqrt { 2 }$