Question:

Two moles of helium are mixed with \(n\) moles of hydrogen. The root mean square (rms) speed of gas molecules in the mixture is \(\sqrt{2}\) times the speed of sound in the mixture. Then, the value of \(n\) is

Show Hint

For monatomic gas \(\gamma = 5/3\), for diatomic \(\gamma = 7/5\).
Updated On: Apr 20, 2026
  • 1
  • 3
  • 2
  • 3/2
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
RMS speed: \(v_{rms} = \sqrt{\frac{3RT}{M}}\), speed of sound: \(v_{sound} = \sqrt{\frac{\gamma RT}{M}}\). Given: \(v_{rms} = \sqrt{2}\, v_{sound}\).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Equate: \[ \sqrt{\frac{3RT}{M}} = \sqrt{2}\,\sqrt{\frac{\gamma RT}{M}} \Rightarrow 3 = 2\gamma \Rightarrow \gamma = 1.5 \] For mixture: \[ \gamma = \frac{n_1 C_{p1} + n_2 C_{p2}}{n_1 C_{v1} + n_2 C_{v2}} \] Heat capacities: He (monatomic): \(C_v = \frac{3}{2}R,\; C_p = \frac{5}{2}R\); H\(_2\) (diatomic): \(C_v = \frac{5}{2}R,\; C_p = \frac{7}{2}R\). Substitute: \[ \gamma = \frac{2\times\frac{5}{2}R + n\times\frac{7}{2}R}{2\times\frac{3}{2}R + n\times\frac{5}{2}R} = \frac{10 + 7n}{6 + 5n} \] Solve: \[ \frac{10 + 7n}{6 + 5n} = 1.5 \Rightarrow 10 + 7n = 9 + 7.5n \Rightarrow 1 = 0.5n \Rightarrow n = 2 \]
Step 3: Final Answer:
\[ \boxed{2} \]
Was this answer helpful?
0
0