If an average hydrogen atom in Earth's atmosphere has a velocity of 2.5 km/s, what would be the average velocity of an oxygen molecule in the Earth's atmosphere? Note that the atomic mass of an oxygen atom is 16 times that of a hydrogen atom.
A) 0.16 km/s
B) 2.5 km/s
C) 0.62 km/s
D) 0.44 km/s
E) 0.25 km/s

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The average velocity of gas molecules is inversely proportional to the square root of their molar mass. Since an oxygen molecule (O2) is 32 times heavier than a hydrogen atom, its velocity is 2.5 km/s divided by the square root of 32, which is approximately 0.44 km/s.

If an Average Hydrogen Atom in Earth's Atmosphere Has a Velocity