Molecular speeds: At 50.0°C, the average translational kinetic energy of a gas molecule is K. If the temperature is now increased to 100.0°C, the average translational kinetic energy of a molecule will be closest to
A) 1.07K.
B) 1.15K.
C) 1.41K.
D) 2.00K.
E) 4.00K.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The average translational kinetic energy of a gas molecule is proportional to the absolute temperature (in Kelvin). Converting 50.0°C to Kelvin gives 323 K, and 100.0°C to Kelvin gives 373 K. The ratio of the temperatures is 373/323 ≈ 1.15, so the kinetic energy increases by this factor.

Molecular Speeds: at 50