Two monoatomic gases, helium and neon, are mixed in the ratio of 2 to 1 and are in thermal equilibrium at temperature T the molar mass of neon = 5 × the molar mass of helium). If the average kinetic energy of each helium atom is U, calculate the average energy of each neon atom.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The average kinetic energy of a gas particle in thermal equilibrium depends only on the temperature, not on the molar mass. Since both gases are at the same temperature, the average kinetic energy of each neon atom is the same as that of each helium atom, which is U.

Two Monoatomic Gases, Helium and Neon, Are Mixed in the Ratio