Final answer:
The average translational kinetic energy of a nitrogen molecule at a temperature of 338 K is approximately 7.01 × 10^-21 J, which can be expressed as 70.1 × 10^-20 J.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to the application of kinetic theory and thermodynamics principles in physics to calculate the average translational kinetic energy of a nitrogen molecule.
According to the kinetic molecular theory, the average translational kinetic energy (KE) of a single gas molecule is given by the formula KE = (3/2)kT, where k is the Boltzmann constant and T is the absolute temperature in Kelvin.
Using the provided values, the average translational kinetic energy of a nitrogen molecule can be calculated as:
KE = (3/2) x (1.38 × 10-23 J/K) x (338 K)
After plugging in the numbers and calculating, you'll find that the average kinetic energy is approximately 7.01 × 10-21 J, which is equal to 70.1 × 10-20 J.
So, when expressed in units of 10-20 J, the average translational kinetic energy of a nitrogen molecule is closest to 70.1.