When two atoms collide, some of their kinetic energy may be converted into
electronic energy in one or both atoms. If the average kinetic energy is about
equal to the energy for some allowed electronic transition, an appreciable
number of atoms can absorb enough energy through an inelastic collision to be
raised to an excited electronic state. (a) Calculate the average kinetic
energy per atom in a gas sample at \(298 \mathrm{~K}\). (b) Calculate the energy
difference between the \(n=1\) and \(n=2\) levels in hydrogen. (c) At what
temperature is it possible to excite a hydrogen atom from the \(n=1\) level to
\(n=2\) level by collision? [The average kinetic energy of 1 mole of an ideal
gas is \(\left.\left(\frac{3}{2}\right) R T .\right]\)