Question

Imagine two pure samples of gas in identical closed containers: sample A and sample B. Sample A has a higher temperature than sample B.
Each of the statements below is true about the samples. Which statements describe a property that contributes to the difference in temperature? Select all that apply.
A. the total mass of sample A is higher than the total mass of sample B
B. the particles in sample A have a higher average speed than the particles in sample B
C. Each particle in sample A has more mass than each particle in sample B

Answers

GPT-4o mini
The statements that describe a property contributing to the difference in temperature between the two samples of gas are:

B. the particles in sample A have a higher average speed than the particles in sample B.

Temperature is related to the average kinetic energy of the particles in a sample of gas. If the particles in sample A have a higher average speed, it indicates that they have higher kinetic energy, which correlates to a higher temperature.

The other options do not directly relate to the difference in temperature:

A. the total mass of sample A is higher than the total mass of sample B - This statement does not contribute to the temperature difference, as temperature depends on the average kinetic energy per particle, not the total mass.

C. Each particle in sample A has more mass than each particle in sample B - Even if particles in sample A are more massive, it is still the average kinetic energy of the particles (which is influenced by both mass and speed) that determines the temperature. Thus, this statement is not a direct contributor to the temperature difference without additional information about their speeds.

So, the correct answer is **B**.