Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

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

Chapter 21 - Think and Explain - Page 402-403: 60

Answer

Helium molecules move faster than air molecules (composed mostly of nitrogen and oxygen) .

Work Step by Step

In a gas, the molecules have the same temperature and average kinetic energy, $\frac{1}{2} mv^{2}$. Lighter helium atoms (smaller m) are moving faster (higher v) than the more massive diatomic nitrogen and oxygen molecules. Because helium atoms move faster, they bump into each other more frequently compared to air molecules, meaning a sound wave (which is transmitted via bumping between particles in the medium) travels more rapidly.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.