Answer: 1/4 times.
- A 1/4 times
- B 4 times
- C exactly equal
- D 16 times
Correct answer: A. 1/4 times
Explanation: v<sub>rms</sub> ∝ 1/√M, so v<sub>O</sub>/v<sub>H</sub> = √(2/32) = 1/4.
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.