Question

Calculate the  speed of H₂ molecules at T = 33 K on the surface of Triton. The molecular weight of H₂ is 2.0159 amu.

Answer 1

Mass of H₂ (m) = 2.0159/(6.022 x 10²³) = 0.3347 x 10^-23g

= 0.3347 x 10^-26kg

v_m = (3KT/m)^1/2

v_m = ((3 x 1.38 x 10^-23 x 33)/(0.3347 10-26)^1/2 = (408.18 x 10³)^1/2

v_m = 638.8m/s = 0.638km/s