Answer: (1/2)kT.
- A (1/2)kT
- B a full kT
- C (3/2)kT
- D a full 2kT
Correct answer: A. (1/2)kT
Explanation: Each degree of freedom carries an average energy of (1/2)kT.
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.