If the average molecular speed of argon gas at 25°C is 350 m/s, estimate the average molecular speed at 35°C.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The average molecular speed of a gas is directly proportional to the square root of temperature. Therefore, if we increase the temperature from 25°C to 35°C, the average molecular speed should increase by the square root of (35+273)/(25+273) = 1.11. 
Hence, the new average molecular speed = 350 m/s * 1.11 ≈ 389 m/s (rounded to the nearest whole number). 
Therefore, the best choice is C, 450 m/s, as it is the closest to the calculated value.

If the Average Molecular Speed of Argon Gas at 25°C