Question

Consider three identical flasks filled with different gases. Flask A: CO at 760 torr and 0 ∘C Flask B: H2 at 100 torr and 0 ∘C Flask C: N2 at 250 torr and 0 ∘C In which flask will the molecules have the greatest average speed?

Answer 1

The molecules in Flask B (H2) will have the greatest average speed due to its smallest molecular mass.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the given scenario, the average speed of gas molecules is determined by the temperature and molecular mass of the gas. The average speed of gas molecules is directly proportional to the square root of temperature and inversely proportional to the square root of molecular mass. Therefore, to determine which flask has molecules with the greatest average speed, we need to compare the temperatures and molecular masses. Since all the flasks are at the same temperature (0 °C), the flask with the gas that has the smallest molecular mass will have the greatest average speed. In this case, the molecular mass of hydrogen (H2) is the smallest among the three gases, so the molecules in Flask B (H2) will have the greatest average speed.