Two ideal gases,X and Y,are thoroughly mixed and at thermal equilibrium in a single container.The molecular mass of X is 9 times that of Y.What is the ratio of root-mean-square velocities of the two gases,v_X,rms/v_Y,rms? A)9/1 B)3/1 C)1/3 D)1/9

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The root-mean-square velocity is inversely proportional to the square root of the molecular mass. Since the molecular mass of X is 9 times that of Y, the ratio of their root-mean-square velocities is 1/√9 = 1/3.

Two Ideal Gases,X and Y,are Thoroughly Mixed and at Thermal