Question

The gases carbon-monoxide $(CO)$ and nitrogen at the same temperature have kinetic energies $E_1$ and $E_2$ respectively. Then

• A. $E_1 = E_2$
• B. $E_1 > E_2$
• C. $E_1 < E_2$
• D. $E_1$ and $E_2$ cannot be compared

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

$E_1 = E_2$

Answer 2

The gases carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen ( $N_2$ ) are diatomic, so both have equal kinetic energy $\frac{5}{2} kT, ie. \, E_1 = E_2$ .