If the total translational kinetic energy of the molecules of oxygen in a container is 15 J at room temperature, what is the total rotational kinetic energy of these molecules?
A) 5 J
B) 10 J
C) 20 J
D) 25 J
E) 0 J

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

For diatomic molecules like oxygen, the total kinetic energy is divided equally between translational and rotational motion. Therefore, if the translational kinetic energy is 15 J, the rotational kinetic energy is also 15 J. However, since the total kinetic energy is the sum of translational and rotational energies, the rotational energy is half of the total, which is 10 J.

If the Total Translational Kinetic Energy of the Molecules of Oxygen