Question

If nitrogen and oxygen gases are at the same temperature, the correct statement according to the kinetic theory of gases is

• A. Average kinetic energy of nitrogen and oxygen molecules is inversely proportional to temperature.
• B. For nitrogen and oxygen molecules, the root mean square speed is equal to the most probable speed.
• C. Average speed of nitrogen molecules is less than the average speed of oxygen molecules.
• D. Average kinetic energies of nitrogen and oxygen molecules are equal

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

According to the kinetic theory of gases, the average kinetic energy of any ideal gas is directly proportional to the temperature and is independent of the type of gas. Since nitrogen and oxygen are both gases at the same temperature, their average kinetic energies are equal, as described by the equation:

Average kinetic energy \(= \frac{3}{2}k_B T\)

where \(k_B\) is the Boltzmann constant and \(T\) is the temperature. Since the temperature is the same for both gases, their average kinetic energies must be equal.

Thus, the correct answer is (D)