Thermodynamics & Heat
Advanced

RMS Molecular Speed

Root-mean-square speed of gas molecules.

Formula

vrms=3RTMv_{rms} = \sqrt{\frac{3RT}{M}}

Variables

RGas constant
TTemperature
MMolar mass

Did You Know?

Air molecules around you zip along at roughly 500 m/s, faster than a jet, yet cancel out to no net wind.