If you want to double the kinetic energy of a gas molecule, by what factor must you increase its momentum?
A) $\sqrt { 2 }$
B)2
C)2 $\sqrt { 2 }$
D)4
E)16

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The kinetic energy $ KE $ is proportional to the square of the momentum $ p $ (i.e., $ KE = \frac{p^2}{2m} $). To double the kinetic energy, the momentum must be increased by a factor of $\sqrt{2}$.

If You Want to Double the Kinetic Energy of a Gas