The average kinetic energy of the molecules of any ideal gas depends only on

  • A. the identity of the gas
  • B. the absolute temperature
  • C. the pressure
  • D. the volume of the container

Explanation

At the same temperature, hydrogen and oxygen molecules have the same average kinetic energy, though the lighter hydrogen molecules must move much faster to achieve it. This is the microscopic meaning of temperature. It also explains Graham's law, since equal energy with unequal mass means unequal speed.

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