At , the average kinetic energy of a single helium () atom is compared to that of a single hydrogen — States of Matter and Gaseous State Chemistry Question
Question
At $298\text{ K}$, the average kinetic energy of a single helium ($He$) atom is compared to that of a single hydrogen ($H_2$) molecule. Which of the following correctly describes their relative kinetic energies?
Answer: A
💡 Solution & Explanation
According to the kinetic theory of gases, the average translational kinetic energy of a gas molecule depends exclusively on the absolute temperature ($\frac{3}{2}kT$). Because both gases are at the same temperature ($298\text{ K}$), the average kinetic energy of a helium atom is exactly the same as that of a hydrogen molecule, despite their different masses.
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