At room temperature,which of the following diatomic molecules has the greater average kinetic energy: carbon monoxide (molar mass = 28 g/mol),nitrogen (molar mass = 28 g/mol),or oxygen (molar mass = 32 g/mol)?
A)carbon monoxide
B)nitrogen
C)oxygen
D)Both a and b are correct.
E)All three have the same average kinetic energy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the kinetic molecular theory, the average kinetic energy of a gas is directly proportional to its temperature and inversely proportional to its molar mass. Since all three gases are at the same temperature and nitrogen and carbon monoxide have the same molar mass, they will have the same average kinetic energy. Oxygen has a slightly higher molar mass, but this difference is not significant enough to make a noticeable difference in their average kinetic energies. Therefore, all three gases have the same average kinetic energy.

At Room Temperature,which of the Following Diatomic Molecules Has the Greater