Question: (a) The mean free path is the average distance a molecule travels before colliding with another molecule. The mean free path,, is given =

(a) The mean free path is the average distance a molecule travels before colliding with another molecule. The mean free path,λ, is given λ = KTI (√2σP) by where k is Boltzmann's constant, T is temperature (K), P is pressure (Pa), and is the collision cross section. For a molecule with a diameter d, the collision cross section is d. The collision cross section is the area swept out by the molecule within which it will strike any other molecule it encounters. The magnetic sector mass spectrometer is maintained at a pressure of ~10-5 Pa (~10-7 Torr) so that ions do not collide with (and deflect) one another as they travel through the mass analyzer. What is the mean free path of a molecule with a diameter of 1 nm at 300 K in the mass analyzer?
(b) The vacuum in an orbitrap mass separator is ~10-8 Pa (~10-13 bar, ~10-10 Torr). Find the mean free path in the orbitrap for the same conditions as (a).

Step by Step Solution

3.45 Rating (168 Votes )

There are 3 Steps involved in it

1 Expert Approved Answer
Step: 1 Unlock

a The answer is in meters if ... View full answer

blur-text-image
Question Has Been Solved by an Expert!

Get step-by-step solutions from verified subject matter experts

Step: 2 Unlock
Step: 3 Unlock

Document Format (1 attachment)

Word file Icon

878-E-C-E-E-C (2251).docx

120 KBs Word File

Students Have Also Explored These Related Chemical Engineering Questions!