Physics

Problem

Oxygen and helium are each kept at

300\,\text{K}

and the same pressure in two separate vessels. For oxygen take

M_{\text{O}_2}=32\,\text{g\,mol}^{-1}

and

\gamma_{\text{O}_2}=1.40

; for helium take

M_{\text{He}}=4.0\,\text{g\,mol}^{-1}

and

\gamma_{\text{He}}=1.66

. a. (i) Calculate the speed of sound in oxygen under the stated conditions. b. (ii) Calculate the speed of sound in helium under the same conditions. c. (iii) Find the ratio

v_{\text{He}}/v_{\text{O}_2}

and explain, with reference to molecular properties, why the two speeds differ so markedly.

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