⚛️ Physics · Kinetic Theory · NEET & JEE

For a polyatomic gas with 3 translational, 3 rotational, and 2 vibrational degrees of freedom, the total degrees of freedom f is:

Answer: 8.

Correct answer: C. 8

Explanation: f = 3 (translational) + 3 (rotational) + 2 (vibrational, each vibrational mode contributes 2 due to KE and PE) = 8.

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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For a polyatomic gas with 3 translational, 3 rotational, and 2 vibrational degrees of freedom, the total degrees of freedom f is:

Concept context

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