Types of Molecular Speed
The concept of molecular speed states that a cluster of atoms moves at a typical rate. The particles in an ideal gas don’t come into contact with one another. Let us see different types of molecular speed and how to calculate them. Molecular speed can be of 3 types which are as follows:
Average Molecular Speed
It is the average speed of a group of molecules in a gas. It is denoted using . It can be calculated using the formula:
where,
- T is the temperature of the gas in Kelvin
- M is the molar mass
- R is the Ideal gas constant, 8.314 kg*m2/s2*mol*K
Root Mean Square Speed
It is the measure of the speed of the particles in particular gas. It is denoted by vrms and can be calculated using the formula:
where,
- T is the temperature of the gas in Kelvin
- M is the molar mass
- R is the Ideal gas constant, 8.314 kg*m2/s2*mol*K
Most Probable Speed
It is the speed which is acquired by most of the molecules in a gas. It is denoted by vp and can be calculated using the following formula:
where,
- T is the temperature of the gas in Kelvin
- M is the molar mass
- R is the Ideal gas constant, 8.314 kg*m2/s2*mol*K
Molecular Speed Formula
Molecular speed is defined as the speed of the group of molecules in an ideal gas. Molecular speed is an important concept in the kinetic theory of gases. According to the kinetic theory of gases, the molecules of a gas are in constant motion and move in a straight line until they collide with another molecule. All the molecules of an ideal gas undergo elastic collision. It explains why small molecules diffuse more rapidly than large molecules. The molecular speed of a gas is directly proportional to its speed and inversely proportional to its molar mass. The molecular speed of a gas increases with an increase in the temperature of the gas. For example, Helium has the lowest molecular mass and thus has the highest molecular speed.