Correct answer is (C)
The relationship between the root-mean-square (rms) speed () and the average speed () of molecules in a gas can be found using the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution. The rms speed and average speed are related as follows:
Where:
- is the ideal gas constant
- is the temperature in Kelvin
- is the molar mass of the gas
- is the mathematical constant pi
In this problem, the rms speed of the oxygen molecule is given by:
Now, let's divide the expression for by the expression for :
By simplifying the expression, we get:
Square both sides of the equation:
Now we will substitute the provided value of :
By simplifying the expression, we get:
Now let's solve for :
Multiplying both sides by :
Finally, solving for :
So, the value of is .