Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 16 - Think and Explain - Page 317-318: 57

Answer

On average, argon atoms move faster than krypton atoms at the same temperature.

Work Step by Step

Having the same temperature means they have the same average translational kinetic energy per molecule. $KE = \frac{1}{2} mv^{2}$. We may check the atomic masses in the periodic table (page 216) and verify that the mass m of an argon atom is much less than that of a krypton atom, so the speed v must be greater to have the same average kinetic energy.
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