8. Imagine you have two containers of gas, one labeled gas A and one labeled gas B. Gas A has an average
speed of 700 m/s and gas B has an average speed of 1100 m/s. Both containers are being held at the same
temperature. How could you match the average speeds of gas A and gas B?
A. Raise the temperature of gas B.
B. Reduce the volumes of both containers.
C. Lower the temperature of gas B.
D. Lower the temperature of gas A.
I guessed C, but it seems too easy and usually when it's easy, I'm wrong.
The correct answer is C. Lowering the temperature of gas B will cause its molecules to move more slowly, thus matching the average speed of gas A.
To match the average speeds of gas A and gas B, you would need to adjust the temperature or the volume of the containers. Since the temperature is the same for both gases in this scenario, you would need to adjust the volume of the containers to match the average speeds.
Therefore, the correct answer is B. Reduce the volumes of both containers.
To match the average speeds of gas A (with an average speed of 700 m/s) and gas B (with an average speed of 1100 m/s) when both containers are at the same temperature, you need to consider the relationship between the average speed of a gas and its temperature.
According to the kinetic theory of gases, the average speed of gas molecules is directly proportional to the square root of their temperature. Therefore, to match the average speeds of gas A and gas B, you would need to make their temperatures equal.
Since both containers are at the same temperature, the only option that directly affects the temperature of gas B is option C, which suggests lowering the temperature of gas B. By doing so, the average speed of gas B would decrease, allowing it to match the average speed of gas A.
Thus, option C is the correct answer in this case.