Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Kinetic Molecular Theory
The Kinetic Molecular Theory explains the behavior of gases in terms of particles in constant motion. According to this theory, the average kinetic energy of gas particles is directly proportional to the temperature of the gas in Kelvin. This means that at higher temperatures, gas particles move faster, leading to higher average speeds.
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Temperature Conversion
To compare the average speeds of H2 and He, it is essential to convert temperatures to the same scale. The temperature of H2 is given in Kelvin (150 K), while He's temperature is in Celsius (375 °C). The conversion from Celsius to Kelvin is done by adding 273.15, resulting in 648.15 K for He, which is crucial for accurate comparisons.
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Temperature Conversion Example
Molar Mass and Speed
The average speed of gas particles is inversely related to their molar mass, as described by Graham's law of effusion. Lighter gases, such as H2 (molar mass ≈ 2 g/mol), will generally have higher average speeds compared to heavier gases like He (molar mass ≈ 4 g/mol) at the same temperature. This relationship is important for determining which gas has a higher average speed under the given conditions.
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