The absolute temperature of a gas is T. In order to double the rms speed of its molecules, what should be the new absolute temperature?
A) 2T
B) 4T
C) $T \sqrt { 2 }$
D) 16T
E) 8T

Question

The absolute temperature of a gas is T. In order to double the rms speed of its molecules, what should be the new absolute temperature? 
A)  2T 
B)  4T 
C) $T \sqrt { 2 }$
D)  16T 
E)  8T

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The root mean square (rms) speed of gas molecules is directly proportional to the square root of the absolute temperature (T). To double the rms speed, the temperature must be quadrupled, making the correct answer 4T.

The Absolute Temperature of a Gas Is T T2T \sqrt { 2 }T2​

The Absolute Temperature of a Gas Is T $T \sqrt { 2 }$