Asked in Premeth Test 4 — States of Matter, Solids, Liquids and Gases (6 March 2025) 2025Moderate

A helium atom is two times heavier than a hydrogen molecule. At 298 K, the average kinetic energy of a helium atom is:

Correct answer: D. The same as a hydrogen molecule

  • A. Two times less than a hydrogen molecule
  • B. Two times that of a hydrogen molecule
  • C. Four times that of a hydrogen molecule
  • D. The same as a hydrogen molecule

Explanation

According to the kinetic theory of gases, the average translational kinetic energy of gas particles depends only on the absolute temperature (K.Eavg = 3/2 kT). Since both are at the same temperature, their average kinetic energies are the same, regardless of their mass .

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About Kinetic Molecular Theory

Kinetic molecular theory explains gases as rapidly moving particles separated by large distances, with negligible volume and negligible intermolecular attraction in the ideal model. It relates temperature to average kinetic energy and explains gas pressure, Boyle's and Charles's laws, diffusion, effusion and the conditions under which real gases deviate from ideal behavior.

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