Question

Calculate the rms speed of helium atoms near the surface of the Sun at a temperature of about 5200 K.

Answer 1

Answer: Root mean square speed, Vrms=5,694m/s

Step-by-step explanation:

Root mean square speed is defined as the the square root of the average of the square of the velocity and given as
`\sqrt 3RT/M`

Where R =8.3145J/mol.k

M molar mass of the molecule in kg/mol

Helium= He=4g/mol = 0.004kg/mol

T= Temperature = 5200k

Vrms=
`\sqrt 3RT/M`

=
`\sqrt 3 x 8.3145 x 5200/0.004`

=
`\sqrt32426550`

Vrms =5,694m/s