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Ch.5 - Thermochemistry
Chapter 5, Problem 118b

At 20 °C (approximately room temperature) the average velocity of N2 molecules in air is 1050 mph. (b) What is the kinetic energy (in J) of an N2 molecule moving at this speed?

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1
Convert the velocity of the N<sub>2</sub> molecule from miles per hour (mph) to meters per second (m/s) using the conversion factor: 1 mph = 0.44704 m/s.
Calculate the mass of an N<sub>2</sub> molecule. The molecular weight of N<sub>2</sub> is approximately 28 g/mol. Convert this mass to kilograms (kg) by using the conversion factor: 1 g = 0.001 kg. Then, use Avogadro's number (6.022 \times 10^{23} molecules/mol) to find the mass of one molecule.
Use the kinetic energy formula: KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2, where 'm' is the mass of the molecule in kg and 'v' is the velocity in m/s.
Plug the values of 'm' and 'v' into the kinetic energy formula to calculate the kinetic energy of the N<sub>2</sub> molecule.
Ensure the final kinetic energy value is in Joules (J), as this is the standard unit for energy in the International System of Units (SI).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Kinetic Energy

Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion, calculated using the formula KE = 0.5 * m * v², where m is the mass of the object and v is its velocity. For gas molecules like N₂, this concept is crucial for understanding how speed translates into energy at the molecular level.
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Molecular Mass

The molecular mass of a substance is the mass of a single molecule, typically expressed in atomic mass units (amu). For nitrogen (N₂), the molecular mass is approximately 28 amu, which is essential for calculating the kinetic energy of an individual N₂ molecule when given its velocity.
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Conversion of Units

In physics and chemistry, it is often necessary to convert units to ensure consistency in calculations. In this case, converting the speed from miles per hour (mph) to meters per second (m/s) is essential for using standard SI units in the kinetic energy formula, allowing for accurate energy calculations.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

A 201-lb man decides to add to his exercise routine by walking up three flights of stairs (45 ft) 20 times per day. Hefigures that theworkrequired to increasehis potential energy in this way will permit him to eat an extra order of French fries, at 245 Cal, without adding to his weight. Is he correct in this assumption?

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Textbook Question

Sucrose (C12H22O11) is produced by plants as follows: 12 CO2(g) + 11 H2O(l) → C12H22O11 + 12 O2(g) H = 5645 kJ About 4.8 g of sucrose is produced per day per square meter of the earth's surface. The energy for this endothermic reaction is supplied by the sunlight. About 0.1 % of the sunlight that reaches the earth is used to produce sucrose. Calculate the total energy the sun supplies for each square meter of surface area. Give your answer in kilowatts per square meter 1kW/m2 where 1W = 1 J/s2.

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Open Question
It is estimated that the net amount of carbon dioxide fixed by photosynthesis on the landmass of Earth is 5.5 * 10^16 g/yr of CO2. Assume that all this carbon is converted into glucose. (b) Calculate the average rate of conversion of solar energy into plant energy in megawatts, MW (1 W = 1 J/s). A large nuclear power plant produces about 10^3 MW. The energy of how many such nuclear power plants is equivalent to the solar energy conversion?
Textbook Question

Suppose an Olympic diver who weighs 52.0 kg executes a straight dive from a 10-m platform. At the apex of the dive, the diver is 10.8 m above the surface of the water. (a) What is the potential energy of the diver at the apex of the dive, relative to the surface of the water?

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Textbook Question

Suppose an Olympic diver who weighs 52.0 kg executes a straight dive from a 10-m platform. At the apex of the dive, the diver is 10.8 m above the surface of the water. (b) Assuming that all the potential energy of the diver is converted into kinetic energy at the surface of the water, at what speed, in m>s, will the diver enter the water?

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Textbook Question

Consider the following unbalanced oxidation-reduction reactions in aqueous solution:

Ag+(aq) + Li(s) → Ag(s) + Li+(aq)

Fe(s) + Na+(aq) → Fe2+(aq) + Na(s)

K(s) + H2O(l) → KOH(aq) + H2(g)

(a) Balance second reaction.

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