To find the ratio of the root mean square (RMS) speeds of the molecules of two gases, we can use the formula for the root mean square speed of gas molecules:
\(v_{\text{rms}} = \sqrt{\frac{3kT}{m}}\)
where:
The above equation can also be expressed in terms of molar mass (\(M\)) as:
\(v_{\text{rms}} = \sqrt{\frac{3RT}{M}}\)
where:
Given:
We need to find the ratio of the RMS speeds \(\frac{v_{\text{rms1}}}{v_{\text{rms2}}}\) for gases 1 and 2:
\(\frac{v_{\text{rms1}}}{v_{\text{rms2}}} = \sqrt{\frac{M_2}{M_1}}\)
Substitute the given mass ratio:
\(\frac{v_{\text{rms1}}}{v_{\text{rms2}}} = \sqrt{\frac{4}{1}} = 2\)
Thus, the ratio of the root mean square speeds of the molecules of the two gases is 2, which matches with the given correct answer.
