Question:

What will be the average value of energy for a monoatomic gas in thermal equilibrium at temperature \(T\)?

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A monoatomic gas molecule has 3 translational degrees of freedom, each contributing \(\tfrac12 k_BT\).
Updated On: Nov 4, 2026
  • \(\dfrac{3}{2}k_BT\)
  • \(k_BT\)
  • \(\dfrac{2}{3}k_BT\)
  • \(\dfrac{1}{2}k_BT\)
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

By the law of equipartition of energy, each quadratic degree of freedom contributes \(\tfrac12 k_BT\) per molecule.
A monoatomic molecule has only 3 translational degrees of freedom.
Average energy per molecule \(= 3\times\tfrac12 k_BT = \tfrac32 k_BT\).
Answer: (1) \(\dfrac{3}{2}k_BT\)
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