Chapter 10.6, Problem 1CP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The relative mean square speed of methane and the unknown gas is to be calculated.

Concept introduction:

The root mean square speed for two molecules in two different gases at identical temperature can be calculated as

$\frac{u_{\text{rms}}(1)}{u_{\text{rms}}(2)}=\frac{\sqrt{M_2}}{\sqrt{M_1}}$

Here, $u_{rms}(1)$ represents the root mean square value of the heavy molecule, $M_1$ represents its molar mass, $u_{rms}(2)$ represents the root mean square value of the lighter molecule, and $M_2$ represents its molar mass.