At a given temperature the root mean square velocities of oxygen and hydrogen molecules are in the ratio

Options

(a) (16:1)
(b) (1:16)
(c) (4:1)
(d) (1:4)

Correct Answer:

(1:4)

Explanation:

v(rms) = √(3RT / M)
Where M is the molecular mass
Since the temperature remains the same
v(rms) ∝ 1 / √M
[v(rms)]o₂ / [v(rms)]ʜ₂ = √(Mʜ₂ / Mo₂) = √(2 / 32) = 1 / 4