Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32162-592-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-32162-592-2

Chapter 13 - Temperature and Kinetic Theory - Problems - Page 387: 41

Answer

300 molecules per cubic centimeter.

Work Step by Step

At such low pressures, gas molecules are far apart, so we assume that the ideal gas law applies. $$PV=NkT$$ $$\frac{N}{V}=\frac{P}{kT}=\frac{1\times10^{-12}Pa}{(1.38\times10^{-23}J/K)(273\;K)}\approx\frac{3\times10^8}{m^3}$$ This is the number per cubic meter. We multiply by $10^{-6}\;m^3/cm^3$ to find an answer of 300 molecules per cubic centimeter. Given the rough numbers in the problem, our estimate is only good to one significant figure.
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