Hard

The average kinetic energy of the molecules of an ideal gas depends only on

Correct answer: B. absolute temperature

  • A. pressure
  • B. absolute temperature
  • C. volume
  • D. molar mass

Explanation

Average kinetic energy equals three halves of kT, so it is fixed by absolute temperature alone. This is why hydrogen and oxygen at the same temperature have the same average kinetic energy even though hydrogen molecules move much faster, being lighter. Molar mass affects speed, not energy.

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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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