If the average speed of O₂ molecules at STP is 4.3 x 10² meters per second, what is the average speed of H₂ molecules at the same temperature and pressure?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The average speed of gas molecules is inversely proportional to the square root of their molar mass. Since H2 is much lighter than O2, its molecules move faster. The molar mass of O2 is 32 g/mol and H2 is 2 g/mol. The speed ratio is sqrt(32/2) = 4, so the speed of H2 is 4 times that of O2, which is 4.3 x 10^2 m/s x 4 = 1.7 x 10^3 m/s.

If the Average Speed of O2 Molecules at STP Is

If the Average Speed of O₂ Molecules at STP Is