For two colliding molecules with respective radii r 1 and r 2 , the impact parameter, b, will always be

The impact parameter, b, is the perpendicular distance between the paths of the centers of the two molecules if they were to continue moving in straight lines without interacting. For a collision to occur, b must be less than or equal to the sum of the two radii (r1 + r2).

For two colliding molecules with respective radii r 1 and r 2 , the impact parameter, b, will always be

The impact parameter, b, is the perpendicular distance between the paths of the centers of the two molecules if they were to continue moving in straight lines without interacting. For a collision to occur, b must be less than or equal to the sum of the two radii (r1 + r2).

Solved

For Two Colliding Molecules with Respective Radii R₁ and R₂

Question 32

Multiple Choice

For two colliding molecules with respective radii r₁ and r₂, the impact parameter, b, will always be

A) greater than the smaller of the two radii
B) greater than the larger of the two radii
C) equal to the sum of the two radii
D) greater than the sum of the two radii
E) less than the sum of the two radii

Correct Answer: