What is the relationship between RMS speed and molecular weight?

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Question: What is the relationship between RMS speed and molecular weight?

Options:

Correct Answer: Inversely proportional

Solution:

RMS speed is inversely proportional to the square root of molecular weight.

What is the relationship between RMS speed and molecular weight?

What is the relationship between RMS speed and molecular weight?

Step 1: Understand what RMS speed is. RMS speed is a way to measure the average speed of gas molecules.
Step 2: Know what molecular weight is. Molecular weight is the weight of one molecule of a substance.
Step 3: Learn the formula for RMS speed: RMS speed = sqrt(3RT/M), where R is the gas constant, T is temperature, and M is molecular weight.
Step 4: Notice that in the formula, molecular weight (M) is in the denominator under a square root.
Step 5: This means that as molecular weight increases, the RMS speed decreases. This is called being inversely proportional.
Step 6: Conclude that if you have a heavier molecule (higher molecular weight), it will move slower on average (lower RMS speed).

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