A molecule of nitrogen gas exerts more pressure than a molecule of oxygen gas because nitrogen gas is a larger molecule.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The size of the molecule does not determine the pressure it exerts. The pressure exerted by a gas is determined by its number of molecules and their average kinetic energy. Nitrogen and oxygen gas have similar molecular weights and sizes, so their pressures are typically similar under the same conditions.

A Molecule of Nitrogen Gas Exerts More Pressure Than a Molecule