Question

Calculate the average translational kinetic energy of a neon atom at 25 0
C.

Answer 1

average translational kinetic energy of a molecule or an atom depends only on temperature in Kelvin.

i.e., K.E = 3/2 kT

where k is Boltzmann's constant.

k = 1.38 × 10^-23 m²kg/s²K

here Temperature in Celsius = 25°C

so, T = 25 + 273 = 298K

now, K.E = 3/2 × 1.38 × 10^-23 × 298 J

= 3 × 1.38 × 149 × 10^-23 J

= 616.86 × 10^-23 J

= 6.1686 × 10^-21 J

hence, average translational kinetic energy is 6.1686 × 10^-21 J