Chemistry / Unit 7 Chem 1315 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Average Kinetic Energy and Temperature
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The idea
A gas sample's average molecular kinetic energy is directly proportional to its kelvin temperature, regardless of the gas's identity.
In practice
Helium and xenon at the same kelvin temperature share identical average kinetic energy, despite xenon's much greater molar mass.
Where people slip
Equal average kinetic energy does not mean equal average speed — Chem 1318 shows the lighter gas moves faster on average.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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