Oxygen molecules are 16 times more massive than hydrogen molecules. At a given temperature, how do their average molecular speeds compare? The oxygen molecules are moving
A) four times faster than the hydrogen molecules.
B) at 1/4 the speed of the hydrogen molecules.
C) sixteen times faster than the hydrogen molecules.
D) at 1/16 the speed of the hydrogen molecules.
E) at 1/ $\sqrt { 2 }$ the speed of the hydrogen molecules.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The average molecular speed is inversely proportional to the square root of the mass. Since oxygen molecules are 16 times more massive than hydrogen molecules, their speed is 1/4 that of hydrogen molecules.

Oxygen Molecules Are 16 Times More Massive Than Hydrogen Molecules 2\sqrt { 2 }2​

Oxygen Molecules Are 16 Times More Massive Than Hydrogen Molecules $\sqrt { 2 }$