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Mechanical Properties Of Fluids

Question
CBSEENPH11019206

Though the velocity of air molecules is of the order of 500 m/sec, even then the fragrance or smell spreads at a much slower rate. Why?

Solution

The velocity of air molecules is of the order of 500 m/s. But, the fragrance spreads at a much slower rate because the vapour molecules do not travel straight with this velocity. Due to collisions the molecules follow zig-zag path and the effective displacement of molecules per unit time i.e drift motion is very less.