In a mixture of hydrogen gas, oxygen gas, and nitrogen gas, the molecules with the greatest average speed are those of
A) nitrogen.
B) hydrogen.
C) oxygen.
D) All will have the same average speed at the same temperature.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hydrogen molecules (H2) have the greatest average speed among the options given because they have the lowest molecular mass. In gases, the average speed of molecules is inversely proportional to the square root of their molecular mass at a given temperature (according to the kinetic theory of gases).

In a Mixture of Hydrogen Gas, Oxygen Gas, and Nitrogen