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Ch.10 - Gases: Their Properties & Behavior
Chapter 10, Problem 97

At what temperature does the average speed of an oxygen molecule equal that of an airplane moving at 580 mph?

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Key Concepts

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

Kinetic Molecular Theory

Kinetic Molecular Theory explains the behavior of gases in terms of particles in constant motion. It states that the average kinetic energy of gas molecules is directly proportional to the temperature of the gas in Kelvin. This theory helps us understand how temperature affects the speed of gas molecules, which is crucial for determining the temperature at which an oxygen molecule's speed matches that of an airplane.
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Average Speed of Gas Molecules

The average speed of gas molecules can be calculated using the equation v = sqrt((3RT)/M), where v is the average speed, R is the ideal gas constant, T is the temperature in Kelvin, and M is the molar mass of the gas. For oxygen (O2), the molar mass is approximately 32 g/mol. This relationship allows us to find the temperature at which the average speed of oxygen molecules equals a specified speed, such as that of an airplane.
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Conversion of Units

To solve the problem, it is essential to convert the speed of the airplane from miles per hour (mph) to meters per second (m/s) for consistency with the SI units used in the kinetic molecular equations. The conversion factor is 1 mph = 0.44704 m/s. Understanding how to convert units is crucial for accurately applying the formulas and ensuring that all measurements are compatible.
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