Question

The gases carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen at the same temperature have kinetic energies $ E_1 $ and $ E_2 $, respectively. Then,

• A. \( E_1 = E_2 \)
• B. \( E_1>E_2 \)
• C. \( E_1<E_2 \)
• D. None of these

Hint:

At the same temperature, all ideal gases have the same average kinetic energy. The kinetic energy is independent of the type of gas.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The kinetic energy of a gas molecule is given by the equation: \[ E = \frac{3}{2} k_B T \] where \( E \) is the kinetic energy, \( k_B \) is the Boltzmann constant, and \( T \) is the temperature. For two gases at the same temperature, the kinetic energy depends only on the temperature, which is the same for both gases. 
Therefore, the kinetic energies of the gases are equal: \[ E_1 = E_2 \] 
Thus, the correct answer is \( E_1 = E_2 \).