Answer: 10.5 RT.
- A 7.5 RT
- B 12.5 RT
- C 10.5 RT
- D 5 RT
Correct answer: C. 10.5 RT
Explanation: Helium (monatomic): 2 × (3/2)RT = 3RT. Hydrogen (diatomic): 3 × (5/2)RT = 7.5RT. Total = 10.5 RT.
Not all gas molecules move at the same speed - the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution shows the spread, with the most probable speed vp slightly less than the average vavg, which is slightly less than the root-mean-square speed vrms used in the pressure formula.
Concept context
Kinetic theory of gases connects molecular motion to pressure and temperature, explaining gas laws, specific heats, and molecular speeds.