Chapter 19, Problem 19.33E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The temperature that ${\text{N}}_{\text{2}}$ must have for its ${\nu }_{\text{rms}}$ to be greater than Earth escape velocity is to be calculated. The temperature that ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}$ must have for its ${\nu }_{\text{rms}}$ to be greater than Earth’s escape velocity is to be calculated. Whether the corresponding answer explains the relative amount of ${\text{N}}_{\text{2}}$ and ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}$ in the Earth’s atmosphere or not is to be stated.

Concept introduction:

A gas is made up of many atoms or molecules that move with very high speeds. The kinetic energy of gases is very high. Every molecule or atom present in a gas can have a different velocity. Therefore, root mean square speed, most probable velocity, and mean velocity are calculated for a gas.