Question

Comparing helium atoms with nitrogen molecules at the same temperature, the helium atoms on average are moving _______ and have _______ kinetic energy.

Answer 1

Answer:

Helium atoms compared to nitrogen atoms are moving faster and have a greater kinetic energy.

Explanation:

The molecular velocity of a gas at room temperature is inverse proportional to the square root of its molecular mass.

The greater the molecular mass of the gas the lesser the average speed of its molecules. Comparing the molecular masses of nitrogen and helium, helium is found to have a lower molecular mass and a corresponding greater velocity.

Hence helium moves faster than nitrogen and has a higher kinetic energy than nitrogen