Translational Energy of Molecules and Vrms

In summary, the question asks for the average (rms) speed of molecules of molecular hydrogen gas in a one liter container at a temperature of 200 K and pressure of 1 atm. Using the equations KE_trans = 1/2 M<v^2> and Energy_trans = 3/2kT = 3/2RT, and assuming 1 mol of H2 with a mass of 0.002 kg, the calculation yields an average speed of 1579.30 m/s. The closest option is 1600 m/s.
  • #1
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1. A quantity of molecular hydrogen (H2) gas fills a one liter container at a temperature of 200 K and pressure of 1 atm.

What is the average (rms) speed of the molecules?


Homework Equations



KE_trans = 1/2 M<v^2>
Energy_trans = 3/2kT = 3/2RT
H2 = 2g/mol

The Attempt at a Solution



Assuming 1 mol of H2:
mass = .002kg

1/2 M<v^2> = 3/2RT
(.002kg)<v^2> = 3R(200K)
<v^2> = 2494200m/s
Vrms = sqrt(<v^2>) = 1579.30m/s

Which is wrong.
The correct answer is 1600m/s. (Not a rounding error.)

Can anyone help me?
Thanks!
 
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  • #2
The answer is certainly rounded.

ehild
 
  • #3
The reason I don't believe its rounded is because the options are:
(a) 16 m/s
(b) 74 m/s
(c) 274 m/s
(d) 1600 m/s
(e) 4570 m/s

So if it were rounded it would be rounded to 1580 and in my
physics exams they always give you the exact answer or really close to it.
 
  • #4
You result is correct. Do you need to present your calculation, or just have to choose one value? If it is a multi-choice question mark the closest one.

ehild
 
  • #5
Yea, its a multiple choice question.
Thanks for your help!
 

Related to Translational Energy of Molecules and Vrms

1. What is translational energy of molecules?

Translational energy of molecules refers to the kinetic energy associated with the movement of molecules in a particular direction. It is a measure of the total energy of a molecule due to its translational motion.

2. How is translational energy related to the velocity of molecules?

The translational energy of a molecule is directly proportional to its velocity. This means that as the velocity of a molecule increases, its translational energy also increases.

3. What is Vrms?

Vrms, also known as root mean square velocity, is a measure of the average velocity of molecules in a gas or liquid. It is calculated by taking the square root of the average of the squared velocities of all the molecules in the system.

4. How is Vrms related to the temperature of a gas?

Vrms is directly proportional to the square root of the temperature of a gas. This means that as the temperature increases, the Vrms of the molecules in the gas also increases.

5. Why is the concept of translational energy of molecules important?

The concept of translational energy of molecules is important because it helps us understand the behavior of gases and liquids. It also plays a crucial role in many scientific fields, such as thermodynamics and chemical reactions.

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