Final answer:
The average kinetic energy of a nitrogen molecule at 17 degrees Celsius is approximately 6.01 x 10^-21 J.
Step-by-step explanation:
The average kinetic energy of a gas molecule can be calculated using the formula:
KEavg = (3/2) * k * T
where KEavg is the average kinetic energy, k is the Boltzmann constant (1.380649 × 10^-23 J/K), and T is the temperature in Kelvin.
To convert the temperature from Celsius to Kelvin, we use the formula:
T(K) = T(°C) + 273.15
Given that the air temperature in the room is 17 degrees Celsius, we can convert it to Kelvin:
T(K) = 17 + 273.15 = 290.15 K
Plugging the values into the formula, we get:
KEavg = (3/2) * (1.380649 × 10^-23 J/K) * 290.15 K ≈ 6.01 x 10^-21 J
Therefore, the average kinetic energy of a nitrogen molecule in the air in a room with a temperature of 17 degrees Celsius is approximately 6.01 x 10^-21 J.