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Ch.6 - Gases
Chapter 6, Problem 83a

Calculate the root mean square velocity of F2, Cl2, and Br2 at 298 K.

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Key Concepts

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

Root Mean Square Velocity (rms velocity)

Root mean square velocity is a measure of the average speed of particles in a gas. It is calculated using the formula v_rms = sqrt(3RT/M), where R is the ideal gas constant, T is the temperature in Kelvin, and M is the molar mass of the gas in kg/mol. This concept is crucial for understanding the kinetic theory of gases, which relates temperature to molecular motion.
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Molar Mass

Molar mass is the mass of one mole of a substance, typically expressed in grams per mole (g/mol). For diatomic molecules like F2, Cl2, and Br2, the molar mass is calculated by summing the atomic masses of the constituent atoms. Knowing the molar mass is essential for calculating the rms velocity, as it directly influences the speed of gas particles at a given temperature.
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Kinetic Theory of Gases

The kinetic theory of gases describes the behavior of gases in terms of particles in constant motion. It explains how temperature, pressure, and volume relate to the motion and energy of gas molecules. This theory underpins the derivation of the rms velocity formula and helps predict how different gases will behave under similar conditions, such as temperature.
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