Answer: 490 m/s.
- A ≈245 m/s
- B ≈980 m/s
- C ≈490 m/s
- D ≈360 m/s
Correct answer: C. ≈490 m/s
Explanation: v<sub>rms</sub> = √(3P/ρ) = √(3×10<sup>5</sup>/1.25) = √240000 ≈ 490 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.