The average speed of hydrogen molecules (H₂) in Earth's atmosphere is below the calculated escape speed from Earth (11.2 km/s). So, is hydrogen gas retained in Earth's atmosphere? A)Yes. Under these conditions H₂ must be retained. B)No. Escape speed depends on the mass of the escaping object. Hydrogen is the lightest molecule, thus its escape speed is well below 11.2 km/s. C)No. Escape speed depends on the mass of the escaping object. Hydrogen is the lightest molecule, thus its escape speed is well above 11.2 km/s. D)No. While the average speed of H₂ is below the escape speed, there will be some H₂ molecules with speeds above escape speed-and these will escape.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The distribution of molecular speeds in a gas means that some molecules move faster than the average speed. For hydrogen in Earth's atmosphere, even though the average speed is below the escape velocity, some molecules will exceed this speed and escape into space.

The Average Speed of Hydrogen Molecules (H2) in Earth's Atmosphere

The Average Speed of Hydrogen Molecules (H₂) in Earth's Atmosphere