Skip to main content
Ch.1 - Introduction: Matter, Energy, and Measurement
Chapter 1, Problem 30

The mass of a helium atom is roughly four times that of a hydrogen atom. The mass of an oxygen atom is roughly 16 times that of a hydrogen atom.
a. For each of the following pairs, choose the one that has the greater kinetic energy: (i) a H atom moving at 1000 m/s or a He atom moving at 400 m/s, (ii) a H atom moving at 1000 m/s or an O atom moving at 400 m/s, (iii) a He atom moving at 1000 m/s or an O atom moving at 400 m/s.
b. A He atom is moving at 800 m/s. What is the speed of an O atom that has the same kinetic energy as the He atom?

Verified Solution

Video duration:
5m
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

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

Kinetic Energy

Kinetic energy (KE) is the energy an object possesses due to its motion, calculated using the formula KE = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is velocity. This means that both the mass of the object and its speed significantly influence its kinetic energy. In comparing two objects, the one with greater mass or higher speed will generally have more kinetic energy.
Recommended video:
Guided course
00:34
Kinetic & Potential Energy

Mass and Velocity Relationship

In the context of kinetic energy, the relationship between mass and velocity is crucial. A heavier object moving at a lower speed can have the same or greater kinetic energy than a lighter object moving faster, depending on the specific values of mass and velocity. This principle is essential for comparing the kinetic energies of different atoms in the given question.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:47
Velocity Distributions

Conservation of Energy

The principle of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. In this question, when comparing the kinetic energies of different atoms, the total energy remains constant, allowing us to equate the kinetic energies of the helium and oxygen atoms to find the unknown speed of the oxygen atom.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:48
Law of Conservation of Mass
Related Practice
Textbook Question

A silvery metal is put inside a beaker of water. Bubbles form on the surface of the metal and it dissolves gradually. (a) Is this an example of a chemical or a physical change?

687
views
Textbook Question

A soccer ball is dropped out of a window on the second floor of a dormitory to the ground below. Which of the following statements is or are true?

i. The kinetic energy of the ball is greatest at the time it is dropped out the window.

ii. As the ball falls, potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.

iii. The potential energy of the ball is due to the force of gravity acting on it.

Textbook Question

(a) Calculate the kinetic energy (in joules) of a 1200-kg automobile moving at 18 m/s.

2
views
Textbook Question

Two positively charged particles are first brought close together and then released. Once released, the repulsion between particles causes them to move away from each other. a. This is an example of potential energy being converted into what form of energy?

3
views
Textbook Question

Two positively charged particles are first brought close together and then released. Once released, the repulsion between particles causes them to move away from each other. b. Does the electrostatic potential energy of the two particles increase or decrease as the distance between them is increased?

2
views
Textbook Question

For each of the following processes, does the potential energy of the object(s) increase or decrease? (b) Water is pumped from ground level to the reservoir of a water tower 30 m above the ground.

454
views