The mean free path of molecules in a gas is proportional to:
A)the molecular cross-sectional area
B)the reciprocal of the molecular cross-sectional area
C)the root-mean-square molecular speed
D)the square of the average molecular speed
E)the molar mass

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The mean free path is the average distance a molecule travels between collisions with other molecules. This distance is inversely proportional to the molecular density and the molecular cross-sectional area. Therefore, the mean free path is proportional to the reciprocal of the molecular cross-sectional area.

The Mean Free Path of Molecules in a Gas Is