Question

Question: The distribution of molecular velocities in a sample of helium is shown in Figure \({\rm{9}}{\rm{.34}}\). If the sample is cooled, will the distribution of velocities look more like that of \({{\rm{H}}_{\rm{2}}}\) or of \({{\rm{H}}_{\rm{2}}}{\rm{O}}\)? Explain your answer.

Short answer

When the helium sample is cooled, the velocity pattern resembles that of \({{\rm{H}}_{\rm{2}}}{\rm{O}}\).

Step-by-step solution

Define Gas

One of the four fundamental states of matter, a gas is made up of particles with no definite volume or structure.

Explanation

\({{\rm{H}}_{\rm{2}}}\) has greater velocities than He because it is a lighter molecule, whereas \({{\rm{H}}_{\rm{2}}}{\rm{O}}\) has lower velocities since it is a heavier molecule. Temperature has a direct relationship with average kinetic energy. The velocity of the molecules is reduced as the helium sample is cooled. If the helium sample is cooled, the velocity pattern will resemble that of \({{\rm{H}}_{\rm{2}}}{\rm{O}}\).

Therefore, when the helium sample is cooled down, then the distribution of velocities will look more like that of \({{\rm{H}}_{\rm{2}}}{\rm{O}}\).