The average speeds v and molecular diameters d of five ideal gases are given below.The number of molecules per unit volume is the same for all of them.For which is the collision rate the greatest? A)v = v₀ and d = d₀ B)v = 2v₀ and d = d₀/2 C)v = 3v₀ and d = d₀ D)v = v₀ and d = 2d₀ E)v = 4v₀ and d = d₀/2

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The collision rate is proportional to the product of the number of molecules per unit volume and the average speed of the molecules. Since the number of molecules per unit volume is the same for all gases, the collision rate is proportional to the average speed. Given that the molecular diameter is not a factor affecting the collision rate, the gas with the highest average speed (or velocity) will have the highest collision rate. Therefore, gas D with the highest velocity v and the same molecular diameter d as the others will have the greatest collision rate.

The Average Speeds V and Molecular Diameters D of Five