Molecular Speed Calculation

The speed distribution for the molecules of an ideal gas is given by

The calculation of molecular speed depends upon the molecular mass and the temperature. For mass m= amu M= kg/mol and temperature T=K T= C the three characteristic speeds may be calculated. The nominal average molecular mass for dry air is 29 amu.

Most probable speed==m/s = km/hr = mi/hr
Mean speed==m/s = km/hr = mi/hr
RMS speed==m/s = km/hr = mi/hr