Question:

The degrees of freedom of a molecule of a triatomic gas are

Updated On: Jul 29, 2022
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

A triatomic molecule can rotate about any of three co-ordinate axes. The molecule of a triatomic gas has a tendency of rotating about any of three co-ordinate axes. So, it has $6$ degrees of freedom, $3$ translational and $3$ rotational. At high enough temperature, a triatomic molecule has $2$ vibrational degrees of freedom. But as temperature requirement is not given, so we answer simply by assuming triatomic gas molecule at room temperature. Thus, $f=6$ ($3$ translational $+3$ rotational) at room temperature.
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Concepts Used:

Kinetic Molecular Theory of Gases

Postulates of Kinetic Theory of Gases:

  • Gases consist of particles in constant, random motion. They continue in a straight line until they collide with each other or the walls of their container. 
  • Particles are point masses with no volume. The particles are so small compared to the space between them, that we do not consider their size in ideal gases.
  • Gas pressure is due to the molecules colliding with the walls of the container. All of these collisions are perfectly elastic, meaning that there is no change in energy of either the particles or the wall upon collision.  No energy is lost or gained from collisions. The time it takes to collide is negligible compared with the time between collisions.
  • The kinetic energy of a gas is a measure of its Kelvin temperature. Individual gas molecules have different speeds, but the temperature and
    kinetic energy of the gas refer to the average of these speeds.
  • The average kinetic energy of a gas particle is directly proportional to the temperature. An increase in temperature increases the speed in which the gas molecules move.
  • All gases at a given temperature have the same average kinetic energy.
  • Lighter gas molecules move faster than heavier molecules.