Find the rms speed of the molecules of a sample of n2 (diatomic nitrogen) gas at a temperature of 31.5°c.

The rms speed can be calculated using the following rule:

rms = sqrt ((3RT) / (M)) where:

R is the gas constant = 8.314 J/mol-K

T is the temperature = 31.5 + 273 = 304.5 degrees kelvin

M is the molar mass = 2*14 = 28 grams = 0.028 kg

Substitute with the givens to get the rms speed as follows:

rms speed = sqrt [ (3*8.314*304.5) / (0.028) ] = 520.811 m/sec