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Mechanical Properties Of Fluids

Question
CBSEENPH11019257

Calculate the mean free path of a gas molecule, given that the molecular diameter js 2 x 10–8cm and number of molecules per cc is 3 x 1019.

Compare the mean free path with mean wavelength of visible light.

Solution

Given,
Molecular diameter, d=2×10-8cm,Number of molecules per cc, n=3×1019 per cc


Mean free path of the molecule is given by,

                     λ=12πd2n
                       =12×3.14(2×10-8)2×3×1019

                       =1.876×10-5 cm=1.876 Ao 

The average wavelength of visible light is 5800 Ao.

Thus the mean free path is less than the average wavelength of visible light.