Five molecules have speeds of 2.8, 3.2, 5.8, 7.3, and 7.4 m/s. Their root-mean-square speed is closest to:

Name: Five molecules have speeds of 2.8, 3.2, 5.8, 7.3, and 7.4 m/s. Their root-mean-square speed is closest to:
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Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The formula for root-mean-square speed is:
v_rms = sqrt((v1^2+v2^2+v3^2+...+vn^2)/n)
Plugging in the speeds given:
v_rms = sqrt((2.8^2+3.2^2+5.8^2+7.3^2+7.4^2)/5)
v_rms = sqrt(120.57/5)
v_rms = sqrt(24.114)
v_rms ≈ 4.91 m/s
The closest answer choice is B) 5.7 m/s.

Five Molecules Have Speeds of 2