Question

helium or nitogen travel faster

Answer 1

Explanations & Calculations

First check

• By $\small PV = nRT$ & $\small PV = \frac{1}{3} mN\bar{C^2}$ a value for the speed of a given gas can be derived as $\small \bar{C^2} = \large\sqrt{\frac{3RT}{M}}$
• M = molar mass of the considered gas
• M_Helium < M_Nitrogen
• Therefore, it could be seen that at a given temperature, the speed of Helium is greater than that of Nitrogen.

Second check

• Escape speed at the earth's surface is about 11kmh^-1 meaning any substance which possess a speed equal or greater to that value, is capable of leaving the earth.
• Its seen that the percentage of Helium is very low compared to that of Nitrogen, which means Helium has a average speed near that value than Nitrogen at a given temperature (ex : room temperature).
• This again explains that Helium has a greater speed while Nitrogen has a comparatively very low value.
• Nitrogen - 78% while Helium < 0.97% in the atmosphere.