Question

Consider a gaseous mixture of oxygen and nitrogen kept in cylinder at room temperature. As compared to nitrogen molecules, the oxygen molecules will hit the wall, of the cylinder.

• A. With greater average kinetic energy
• B. With smaller average kinetic energy
• C. With smaller average speed
• D. With smaller average speed and smaller average kinetic

Answer 1

The correct option is C With smaller average speed

Consider a gaseous mixture of oxygen and nitrogen kept in cylinder at room temperature. As compared to nitrogen molecules, the oxygen molecules will hit the wall, of the cylinder with smaller average speed
Average speed $u=\sqrt{\frac{8RT}{\pi M}}$
The gas having higher molecular mass will have lower average speed.
The average kinetic energy of a gas molecule $=\frac{3}{2}kT$. It is independent of molecular weight of gas.