Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (3rd Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321740904
ISBN 13: 978-0-32174-090-8

Chapter 18 - The Micro/Macro Connection - Exercises and Problems - Page 523: 23

Answer

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Work Step by Step

a) We know that the average translational kinetic energy of a molecule is given by $$K_{avg}=\frac{3}{2}k_BT$$ So it is obvious that $K_{avg}\propto T$, and hence when the temperature is doubled, the average translational kinetic energy will be doubled as well. _______________________________________________________ b) We know that the rms speed of a molecule is given by $$v_{\rm rms}=\sqrt{\dfrac{3k_BT}{m}}$$ So it is obvious that $v_{\rm rms}\propto \sqrt{T}$, and hence when the temperature is doubled, the rms speed will be increased by a factor of $\sqrt{2}$. _______________________________________________________ c) We know that the mean free path is given by $$\lambda=\dfrac{1}{4\sqrt{2}\pi (N/V)r^2}$$ We can see that non of the variables here as $N$, $V$, or $r$ depends on temperature. Thus, when the temperature is doubled, the mean free path remains constant.
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