# Problem: There are two important isotopes of uranium: 235U and 238 U. These isotopes have different atomic masses and react differently. Only 235U is very useful is nuclear reactions. One of the techniques for separating then (gas diffusion) is based on the different rms speeds of uranium hexafluoride gas, UF6. The molecular masses for UF6 with 235U and UF6 with 238U are 349.0 g/mol and 352.0 g/mol, respectively. What is the ratio of rms speeds?

###### FREE Expert Solution

Root mean square velocity (rms):

$\overline{){{\mathbf{v}}}_{\mathbf{r}\mathbf{m}\mathbf{s}}{\mathbf{=}}\sqrt{\frac{\mathbf{3}\mathbf{R}\mathbf{T}}{\mathbf{M}}}}$

###### Problem Details

There are two important isotopes of uranium: 235U and 238 U. These isotopes have different atomic masses and react differently. Only 235U is very useful is nuclear reactions. One of the techniques for separating then (gas diffusion) is based on the different rms speeds of uranium hexafluoride gas, UF6

The molecular masses for UF6 with 235U and UF6 with 238U are 349.0 g/mol and 352.0 g/mol, respectively. What is the ratio of rms speeds?