Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Kinetic theory of gases

Kinetic theory of gases — practice question

At room temperature, a gas sample contains five atoms with speeds: $1.32 \times 10^3\,\text{m s}^{-1}$, $1.50 \times 10^3\,\text{m s}^{-1}$, $1.46 \times 10^3\,\text{m s}^{-1}$, $1.28 \times 10^3\,\text{m s}^{-1}$, $1.64 \times 10^3\,\text{m s}^{-1}$. For these five atoms, calculate, to three significant figures,
(a)[1]

the average speed.

(b)[2]

the average of the squared speeds.

(c)[1]

the rms speed.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 4-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Calculated mean speed: $1.44 \times 10^3\,\text{m s}^{-1}$.

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