Question

$O_2$ is $16$ times heavier than $H_2$. If at the same temperature the $O_2$ molecules have average kinetic energy $E,$ then at the same temperature the average kinetic energy of $H_2$ molecules will be

• A. $\frac{E}{4}$
• B. $4E$
• C. $E$
• D. $\frac{E}{16}$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $E$

As the kinetic energy is given by
$\text{K.E.}=\frac{3}{2}{k}_{B}T;$
$k_B=$ Boltzmann constant
$T=$ Temperature
The kinetic energy per molecule of the gas depends only upon the temperature, therefore kinetic energy will remain the same i.e. $E$.