CHEMISTRY · Multi-part · IB Diploma Programme · Chemistry · Introduction to the particulate nature of matter · Introduction to the particulate nature of matter
Problem
In a laboratory experiment, the root‐mean‐square speed of helium atoms at a particular temperature is measured to be 1.25×103ms−1. At the same temperature, the root‐mean‐square speed of an unknown diatomic gas is measured to be 4.40×102ms−1.
Assume ideal‐gas behavior.
(a) Determine the molar mass of the unknown gas.
(b) Based on your result in part (a), identify a likely molecular formula for the gas and justify your choice.