⚛️ Physics · Kinetic Theory · NEET & JEE

At the same temperature, the ratio of rms speeds of hydrogen (M = 2) to oxygen (M = 32) molecules is:

Answer: 4:1.

A 1:4
B 4:1
C 16:1
D 2:1

Correct answer: B. 4:1

Explanation: v<sub>rms</sub> ∝ 1/√M, so ratio = √(32/2) = √16 = 4:1.

Not all gas molecules move at the same speed - the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution shows the spread, with the most probable speed v_p slightly less than the average v_avg, which is slightly less than the root-mean-square speed v_rms 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.

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At the same temperature, the ratio of rms speeds of hydrogen (M = 2) to oxygen (M = 32) molecules is:

Concept context

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