Answer: Zero.
- A Maximum
- B Zero
- C Equal to room temperature value
- D Negative
Correct answer: B. Zero
Explanation: Classically, at 0 K, translational kinetic energy of gas molecules becomes zero since average KE = (3/2)k<sub>BT</sub>.
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.