Question: (a) The second postulate of kinetic theory is that the molecules are, on average, far apart from one another. That is, their average separation is

(a) The second postulate of kinetic theory is that the molecules are, on average, far apart from one another. That is, their average separation is much greater than the diameter of each molecule. Is this assumption reasonable? To check, calculate the average distance between molecules of a gas at STP, and compare it to the diameter of a typical gas molecule, about 0.3 nm.

(b) If the molecules were the diameter of ping-pong balls, say 4 cm, how far away would the next ping-pong ball be on average?

(c) Repeat part a, but now assume the gas has been compressed so that the pressure is now 3 atm but still at 273 K.

(d) Estimate what % of the total volume of gas is taken up by molecules themselves in parts a and c.

Step by Step Solution

3.49 Rating (162 Votes )

There are 3 Steps involved in it

1 Expert Approved Answer
Step: 1 Unlock

a We calculate the volume per molecule from the ideal gas law and assume the molecular volume is sph... 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

1308-P-M-R-M(524).docx

120 KBs Word File

Students Have Also Explored These Related Mechanics Questions!