What is the mean free path for the molecules in an ideal gas when the pressure is 100 kPa and the temperature is 300 K given that the collision cross-section for the molecules of that gas is 2.0 × 10^-20 m²? Boltzmann's constant is k = 1.38 × 10^-23 J/K.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The mean free path λ is given by the formula λ = (kT) / (√2 * π * d² * P), where k is Boltzmann's constant, T is the temperature, d is the collision cross-section, and P is the pressure. Substituting the given values, λ = (1.38 × 10^-23 J/K * 300 K) / (√2 * π * (2.0 × 10^-20 m²) * 100,000 Pa) ≈ 1.5 × 10^-6 m.

What Is the Mean Free Path for the Molecules in an Ideal