The gases carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen (N₂) at the same temperature have kinetic energies E₁ and E₂ respectively. Then:
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Question

The gases carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen (N₂) at the same temperature have kinetic energies E₁ and E₂ respectively. Then:

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Step 1: For the same temperature, average translational kinetic energy per molecule of an ideal gas is (3/2)kBT, independent of molecular species. Step 2: CO and N₂ are both diatomic gases; at the same temperature their average molecular kinetic energies are equal (assuming similar active modes). Step 3: Hence E₁ = E₂. Final answer: (A).