MCAT Physical : Kinetic Molecular Theory

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for MCAT Physical

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Example Questions

Example Question #51 : Fluids And Gases

At room temperature which of the following equimolar gases has the fastest effusion rate?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

According to Graham's law, the rate of effusion of a gas is inversely proportional to the square root of the mass:  .

The gas with the lowest molecular weight will effuse the fastest. has the lowest molecular weight of the given gasses, with a value of  .

Example Question #12 : Gases

Consider a helium atom and a molecule of carbon monoxide both at a temperature of . Which of the following accurately describes the velocity of the carbon monoxide molecule in relation to the velocity of the helium atom?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Since both molecules are at the same temperature, the value of the temperature is irrelevant. The difference in velocity between the two molecules depends on the difference in their molar masses. The molar mass of a helium atom is , and the molar mass of a carbon monoxide molecule is .  

Graham's Law describes the relationship between gas particle mass and velocity:

Using the molar masses of the particles in question, we can determine their relationship.

Example Question #54 : Fluids And Gases

Phase diagrams are used to depict changes in the properties of a solution at different temperatures and pressures. Below is a phase diagram of a polar solution.

Phase_diagram_ps

In section 3, as the temperature increases, the velocity of the molecules __________ in a(n) __________ manner.

Possible Answers:

decreases . . . indirectly proportional

decreases . . . indirectly proportional

increases . . . directly proportional

increases . . . indirectly proportional

Correct answer:

increases . . . indirectly proportional

Explanation:

This question asks you how the velocity of the molecules changes with increasing temperature. From molecular kinteics, we know that temperature is proportional to kinetic energy.

We can see that as temperature rises, the kinetic energy rises, however, the question asks us how the velocity changes. Now, we need to know how kinetic energy and velocity are related. We can pull this relationship from Newtonian mechanics.

If we simplify, we can see that . Velocity increases with increasing temperature, but in an indirectly proportional manner.

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