Question

If you mix different amounts of two ideal gases that are originally at different temperatures, what must be true of the final state after the temperature stabilizes? (There may be more than one correct choice.)

A. Both gases will reach the same final temperature.
b) The final rms molecular speed will be the same for both gases.c) The final average kinetic energy of a molecule will be the same for both gases.

Answer 1

a) Both gases will reach the same final temperature.

c) The final average kinetic energy of a molecule will be the same for both gases.

Step-by-step explanation:

The molecules of the hotter gas will have higher average kinetic energies than those of the cooler gas. As the molecules of the molecules of the two gases collide with each other and exchange energies, the gases will reach an equilibrium in which their molecules have the same average kinetic energy.

Since average kinetic energy is a measure of temperature, both gases will reach the same final temperature.

b) is wrong. The rms speeds will differ, depending on the molecular masses of the two gases.