Answer: 483 m/s.
- A ≈1930 m/s
- B ≈483 m/s
- C ≈310 m/s
- D ≈242 m/s
Correct answer: B. ≈483 m/s
Explanation: v<sub>rms</sub> = √(3RT/M) = √(3×8.31×300/0.032) ≈ 483 m/s.
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.