The average translational kinetic energy of an atom or molecule is about KE = 3/

Question

The average translational kinetic energy of an atom or molecule is about KE = 3/2kT, where k = 1.38 times 10^23 J/K is Boltzmann's constant. At what temperature T will KE be on the order of the bond energy (and hence the bond likely to be broken by thermal motion) for a covalent bond (say H_2) of binding energy 4.0 eV? Express your answer using two significant figures. At what temperature T will KE be on the order of the bond energy (and hence the bond likely to be broken by thermal motion) for a "weak" hydrogen bond of binding energy 0.12 eV? Express your answer using two significant figures.

Explanation / Answer

Here ,

part A)

binding energy = 4 eV

let the temperature is T

4 * 1.602 *10^-19 = 1.5 * 1.38 * 10^-23 * T

T = 30960 K

the temperature for the bond is 30960 K

part B)

binding energy = 0.12 eV

let the temperature is T

0.12 * 1.602 *10^-19 = 1.5 * 1.38 * 10^-23 * T

T = 928.8 K

the temperature for the bond is 928.8 K

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