The root mean square speed of oxygen molecule (O₂) at a certain temperature is v. If the temperature is doubled and the oxygen gas dissociates into atomic oxygen, the rms speed would be

Options

(a) v
(b) √2 v
(c) 2v
(d) 2√2 v

Correct Answer:

2v

Explanation:

The rms speed is given by
v(rms) = √(3RT / M)
[v(rms)]o₂ = √(3RT / M) = √(3RT / M) = v
[v(rms)]o = √[3R(2T) / M] = 2 √(3RT / M) = 2v