⚛️ Physics · Kinetic Theory · NEET & JEE

If a gas obeys PV = (2/3)E where E is the total translational kinetic energy of the gas, this kinetic theory result combined with PV = nRT shows that E equals:

Answer: (3/2)nRT.

A nRT
B (2/3)nRT
C (3/2)nRT
D (1/2)nRT

Correct answer: C. (3/2)nRT

Explanation: Equating (2/3)E = nRT gives E = (3/2)nRT, the total translational kinetic energy of n moles of an ideal gas.

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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If a gas obeys PV = (2/3)E where E is the total translational kinetic energy of the gas, this kinetic theory result combined with PV = nRT shows that E equals:

Concept context

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