Answer: 5/3.
- A 7/5
- B 5/3
- C 4/3
- D 9/7
Correct answer: B. 5/3
Explanation: For monatomic gases, Cv=(3/2)R and Cp=(5/2)R, giving γ = 5/3 ≈ 1.67.
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.