Kinetic theory

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. A cubic vessel (with face horizontal + vertical) contains an ideal gas at NTP. The vessel is being carried by a rocket which is moving at a speed of $500 m s^{-1}$ in vertical direction. The pressure of the gas inside the vessel as observed by us on the ground

(a) remains the same because $500 ms^{-1}$ is very much smaller than $v_{\text {rms }}$ of the gas

(b) remains the same because motion of the vessel as a whole does not affect the relative motion of the gas molecules and the walls

(c) will increase by a factor equal to $(v_rms^{2}+(500)^{2}) / v_rms^{2}$ where $v_{rms}$ was the original mean square velocity of the gas

(d) will be different on the top wall and bottom wall of the vessel

Show Answer

Thinking Process

This phenomenon is based on the concept of relative motion that is when collision takes place, it is the relative velocity which changes.

Answer (b) As the motion of the vessel as a whole does not effect the relative motion of the gas molecules with respect to the walls of the vessel, hence pressure of the gas inside the vessel, as observed by us, on the ground remains the same.

  • (a) The statement is incorrect because the comparison between the rocket’s speed and the root mean square speed ($v_{\text{rms}}$) of the gas molecules is not relevant to the pressure observed. The pressure is determined by the relative motion of the gas molecules with respect to the walls of the vessel, which remains unchanged regardless of the rocket’s speed.

  • (c) This option is incorrect because it suggests that the pressure will increase by a factor involving the square of the rocket’s speed and the original mean square velocity of the gas. However, the pressure of an ideal gas is dependent on the temperature and volume, not on the external motion of the vessel. The relative motion of the gas molecules with respect to the walls of the vessel remains unchanged, so the pressure does not increase by this factor.

  • (d) This option is incorrect because it implies that the pressure will be different on the top and bottom walls of the vessel due to the rocket’s vertical motion. However, the pressure inside the vessel is isotropic (the same in all directions) and is determined by the collisions of gas molecules with the walls, which are unaffected by the uniform motion of the vessel.

2. 1 mole of an ideal gas is contained in a cubical volume $V, A B C D E F G H$ at $300 K$ (figure). One face of the cube $(E F G H)$ is made up of a material which totally absorbs any gas molecule incident on it. At any given time,

(a) the pressure on $E F G H$ would be zero

(b) the pressure on all the faces will the equal

(c) the pressure of $E F G H$ would be double the pressure on $A B C D$

(d) the pressure on $E F G H$ would be half that on $A B C D$

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Answer (d) In an ideal gas, when a molecule collides elastically with a wall, the momentum transferred to each molecule will be twice the magnitude of its normal momentum. For the face $E F G H$, it transfers only half of that.

  • (a) the pressure on $E F G H$ would be zero: This is incorrect because even though the face $E F G H$ absorbs the gas molecules, the gas molecules still exert some pressure on it before being absorbed. The pressure is not zero but reduced.

  • (b) the pressure on all the faces will be equal: This is incorrect because the face $E F G H$ absorbs the gas molecules, reducing the pressure on it compared to the other faces where the gas molecules are elastically reflected.

  • (c) the pressure of $E F G H$ would be double the pressure on $A B C D$: This is incorrect because the absorption of gas molecules by the face $E F G H$ reduces the pressure on it. It cannot be double the pressure on $A B C D$; in fact, it is less.

3. Boyle’s law is applicable for an

(a) adiabatic process

(b) isothermal process

(c) isobaric process

(d) isochoric process

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Answer

(b) Boyle’s law is applicable when temperature is constant

i.e.,

$p V=n R T=$ constant

$\Rightarrow$

$p V=$ constant (at constant temperature)

i.e.,

$p \propto \frac{1}{V}$

[where,$p=$ pressure, $V=$ volume $]$

So, this process can be called as isothermal process.

  • Adiabatic process: In an adiabatic process, there is no heat exchange with the surroundings, and the temperature of the gas changes. Boyle’s law requires the temperature to remain constant, which is not the case in an adiabatic process.

  • Isobaric process: In an isobaric process, the pressure remains constant. Boyle’s law describes the relationship between pressure and volume at a constant temperature, not at a constant pressure.

  • Isochoric process: In an isochoric process, the volume remains constant. Boyle’s law involves changes in volume and pressure while keeping the temperature constant, which is not applicable when the volume is fixed.

4. A cylinder containing an ideal gas is in vertical position and has a piston of mass $M$ that is able to move up or down without friction (figure). If the temperature is increased

(a) both $p$ and $V$ of the gas will change

(b) only $p$ will increase according to Charles’ law

(c) $V$ will change but not $p$

(d) $p$ will change but not $V$

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Answer (c) Consider the diagram where an ideal gas is contained in a cylinder, having a piston of mass $M$. Friction is absent.

The pressure inside the gas will be

$$ p=p_{a}+M g / A $$

where, $p_{a}=$ atmospheric pressure

$A=$ area of cross-section of the piston.

$M g=$ weight of piston

Hence, $p=$ constant.

When temperature increases

as $\quad p V=n R T \Rightarrow$ volume $(V)$ increases at constant pressure.

  • Option (a): This option is incorrect because it states that both pressure ( p ) and volume ( V ) of the gas will change. However, in the given scenario, the pressure ( p ) remains constant due to the balance of forces on the piston (atmospheric pressure plus the weight of the piston). Only the volume ( V ) changes as the temperature increases, according to the ideal gas law ( pV = nRT ).

  • Option (b): This option is incorrect because it states that only pressure ( p ) will increase according to Charles’ law. Charles’ law actually states that the volume of a gas is directly proportional to its temperature at constant pressure. In this scenario, the pressure remains constant, and it is the volume ( V ) that increases with temperature, not the pressure.

  • Option (d): This option is incorrect because it states that pressure ( p ) will change but not volume ( V ). In the given setup, the pressure ( p ) remains constant due to the balance of forces on the piston. As the temperature increases, the volume ( V ) must increase to maintain the relationship described by the ideal gas law ( pV = nRT ).

5. Volume versus temperature graphs for a given mass of an ideal gas are shown in figure. At two different values of constant pressure. What can be inferred about relation between $p_1$ and $p_2$ ?

(a) $p_1>p_2$

(b) $p_1=p_2$

(c) $p_1<p_2$

(d) Data is insufficient

Show Answer

Thinking Process

To find the required relation, we have to consider slope of the $V-T$ graph. By ideal gas equation, the slope of $V-T$ curve is $V / T=n R / p$. This imply that greater the slope, smaller the pressure and vice-versa.

Answer (a) We know for an ideal gas,

$$ \begin{aligned} & p V=n R T \Rightarrow V=(\frac{n R}{p}) T \\ & \text { Slope of the } V-T \text { graph, } \quad m=\frac{d V}{d T}=\frac{n R}{p} \quad[m=\text { slope of } V-t \text { graph }] \\ & \Rightarrow \quad m \propto \frac{1}{p} \quad[\therefore n R=\text { constant }] \\ & \Rightarrow \quad p \propto \frac{1}{m} \\ & \text { hence, } \quad \frac{p_1}{p_2}=\frac{m_2}{m_1}<1 \\ & {[\begin{matrix} P=\text { pressure } \\ V=\text { volume } \\ n=\text { number of moles of gases } \\ R=\text { gas constant } \\ T=\text { temperature } \end{matrix} ]} \end{aligned} $$

where, $m_1$ is slope of the graph corresponding to $p_1$ and similarly $m_2$ is slope corresponding to $p_2$.

$$ \Rightarrow \quad p_2<p_1 \text { or } p_1>p_2 $$

  • Option (b) $p_1 = p_2$: This option is incorrect because if the pressures were equal, the slopes of the volume versus temperature graphs would also be equal. However, the problem states that the graphs are at two different values of constant pressure, implying different slopes.

  • Option (c) $p_1 < p_2$: This option is incorrect because, according to the relationship ( p \propto \frac{1}{m} ), a higher slope (m) corresponds to a lower pressure. Since ( m_1 ) is the slope for ( p_1 ) and ( m_2 ) is the slope for ( p_2 ), and given ( \frac{p_1}{p_2} = \frac{m_2}{m_1} < 1 ), it follows that ( p_1 > p_2 ).

  • Option (d) Data is insufficient: This option is incorrect because the given information and the ideal gas law provide enough data to determine the relationship between ( p_1 ) and ( p_2 ). The slopes of the graphs and the derived relationship ( p \propto \frac{1}{m} ) are sufficient to conclude that ( p_1 > p_2 ).

6. 1 mole of $H_2$ gas is contained in a box of volume $V=1.00 m^{3}$ at $T=300 K$. The gas is heated to a temperature of $T=3000 K$ and the gas gets converted to a gas of hydrogen atoms. The final pressure would be (considering all gases to be ideal)

(a) same as the pressure initially

(b) 2 times the pressure initially

(c) 10 times the pressure initially

(d) 20 times the pressure initially

Show Answer

Answer (d) Consider the diagram, when the molecules breaks into atoms, the number of moles would become twice.

Now, by ideal gas equation

$$ \begin{matrix} P & =\text { Pressure of gas }, & & n=\text { Number of moles } \\ R & =\text { Gas constant }, & T=\text { Temperature } \\ p V & =n R T & & \end{matrix} $$

As volume $(V)$ of the container is constant.

As gases breaks number of moles becomes twice of initial, so $n_2=2 n_1$

So,

$$ \begin{aligned} & p \propto n T \\ & \frac{p_2}{p_1}=\frac{n_2 T_2}{n_1 T_1}=\frac{(2 n_1)(3000)}{n_1(300)}=20 \end{aligned} $$

$\Rightarrow$

$$ p_2=20 p_1 $$

Hence, final pressure of the gas would be 20 times the pressure initially.

  • Option (a) same as the pressure initially: This option is incorrect because when the gas is heated and the $H_2$ molecules dissociate into hydrogen atoms, the number of moles of gas doubles. According to the ideal gas law, pressure is directly proportional to the number of moles and temperature. Since both the number of moles and the temperature increase, the pressure cannot remain the same.

  • Option (b) 2 times the pressure initially: This option is incorrect because although the number of moles doubles when $H_2$ dissociates into hydrogen atoms, the temperature also increases by a factor of 10 (from 300 K to 3000 K). Therefore, the pressure increases by a factor of 20, not just 2.

  • Option (c) 10 times the pressure initially: This option is incorrect because it only accounts for the increase in temperature by a factor of 10. It does not consider the doubling of the number of moles when $H_2$ dissociates into hydrogen atoms. The combined effect of both the increase in temperature and the doubling of moles results in a pressure increase by a factor of 20, not 10.

7. A vessel of volume $V$ contains a mixture of 1 mole of hydrogen and 1 mole oxygen (both considered as ideal). Let $f_1(v) d v$, denote the fraction of molecules with speed between $v$ and $(v+d v)$ with $f_2(v) d v$, similarly for oxygen. Then,

(a) $f_1(v)+f_2(v)=f(v)$ obeys the Maxwell’s distribution law

(b) $f_1(v), f_2(v)$ will obey the Maxwell’s distribution law separately

(c) neither $f_1(v)$, nor $f_2(v)$ will obey the Maxwell’s distribution law

(d) $f_2(v)$ and $f_1(v)$ will be the same

Show Answer

Answer (b) For a function $f(v)$, the number of molecules $n=f(v)$, which are having speeds between $v$ and $v+d v$.

For each function $f_1(v)$ and $f_2(v)$, $n$ will be different, hence each function $f_1(v)$ and $f_2(v)$ will obey the Maxwell’s distribution law separately.

  • (a) $f_1(v)+f_2(v)=f(v)$ obeys the Maxwell’s distribution law: This is incorrect because $f_1(v)$ and $f_2(v)$ represent the speed distributions of hydrogen and oxygen molecules separately. The sum of these distributions does not necessarily obey the Maxwell’s distribution law for the mixture, as the Maxwell distribution depends on the mass of the molecules, and hydrogen and oxygen have different masses.

  • (c) neither $f_1(v)$, nor $f_2(v)$ will obey the Maxwell’s distribution law: This is incorrect because both hydrogen and oxygen are ideal gases, and for ideal gases, the speed distribution of molecules follows the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution law. Therefore, $f_1(v)$ and $f_2(v)$ will each obey the Maxwell’s distribution law separately.

  • (d) $f_2(v)$ and $f_1(v)$ will be the same: This is incorrect because the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution depends on the mass of the molecules. Since hydrogen and oxygen have different molecular masses, their speed distributions $f_1(v)$ and $f_2(v)$ will be different.

8. An inflated rubber balloon contains one mole of an ideal gas, has a pressure $p$, volume $V$ and temperature $T$. If the temperature rises to $1.1 T$, and the volume is increased to $1.05 V$, the final pressure will be

(a) $1.1 p$

(b) $p$

(c) less than $p$

(d) between $p$ and 1.1

Show Answer

Answer (d) We know for an ideal gas, $p V=n R T$ (Ideal gas equation)

$$ \Rightarrow \quad \begin{aligned} n & =\text { Number of moles, } p=\text { Pressure, } V=\text { Volume } \\ R & =\text { Gas constant, } \quad T=\text { Temperature } \\ & =\frac{p V}{R T} \end{aligned} $$

As number of moles of the gas remains fixed, hence, we can write

$$ \begin{matrix} \frac{p_1 V_1}{R T_1} & =\frac{p_2 V_2}{R T_2} & \\ \Rightarrow \quad p_2 & =(p_1 V_1)(\frac{T_2}{V_2 T_1}) & \\ & =\frac{(p)(V)(1.1 T)}{(1.05) V(T)} \quad[\begin{matrix} p_1=p \\ V_2=1.05 V \text { and } T_2=1.1 T \end{matrix} ] \\ & =p \times(\frac{1.1}{1.05}) & \\ & =p(1.0476) \approx 1.05 p \end{matrix} $$

Hence, final pressure $p_2$ lies between $p$ and $1.1 p$.

  • Option (a) $1.1 p$: This option is incorrect because it assumes that the pressure increases proportionally with the temperature increase. However, the volume also increases, which moderates the pressure increase. The actual final pressure is less than $1.1 p$ due to the combined effect of increased volume and temperature.

  • Option (b) $p$: This option is incorrect because it assumes that the pressure remains constant despite changes in temperature and volume. According to the ideal gas law, if the temperature increases and the volume also increases, the pressure will change. In this case, the pressure increases but not to the extent of $1.1 p$.

  • Option (c) less than $p$: This option is incorrect because it suggests that the pressure decreases when the temperature increases. Given that both temperature and volume increase, the pressure will increase but not to the extent of $1.1 p$. The final pressure is greater than $p$ but less than $1.1 p$.

Multiple Choice Questions (More Than One Options)

9. A B C D E F G H is a hollow cube made of an insulator (figure) face $A B C D$ has positive charge on it. Inside the cube, we have ionised hydrogen.

The usual kinetic theory expression for pressure

(a) will be valid

(b) will not be valid, since the ions would experience forces other than due to collisions with the walls

(c) will not be valid, since collisions with walls would not be elastic

(d) will not be valid because isotropy is lost

Show Answer

Thinking Process

As ionised hydrogen is present inside the cube, they are having charge. Now, due to presence of positive charge on the surface $A B C D$ hydrogen ions would experience forces of electrostatic nature.

Answer $(b, d)$

Due to presence of external positive charge on the face $A B C D$. The usual expression for pressure on the basis of kinetic theory will not be valid as ions would also experience electrostatic forces other than the forces due to collisions with the walls of the container. Due to presence of positive charge the isotropy is also lost.

  • (a) will be valid: This option is incorrect because the presence of an external positive charge on face (ABCD) introduces additional electrostatic forces on the ions inside the cube. The usual kinetic theory expression for pressure assumes that the only forces acting on the particles are due to collisions with the walls, which is not the case here.

  • (c) will not be valid, since collisions with walls would not be elastic: This option is incorrect because the problem does not specify any reason for the collisions with the walls to be inelastic. The presence of an external charge affects the forces on the ions but does not necessarily imply that the collisions with the walls are inelastic.

10. Diatomic molecules like hydrogen have energies due to both translational as well as rotational motion. From the equation in kinetic theory $p V=\frac{2}{3} E, E$ is

(a) the total energy per unit volume

(b) only the translational part of energy because rotational energy is very small compared to the translational energy

(c) only the translational part of the energy because during collisions with the wall pressure relates to change in linear momentum

(d) the translational part of the energy because rotational energies of molecules can be of either sign and its average over all the molecules is zero

Show Answer

Answer (c) According to kinetic theory, we assume the walls only exert perpendicular forces on molecules. They do not exert any parallel force, hence there will not be any type of rotation present.

The wall produces only change in translational motion.

Hence, in the equation

$$ p V=\frac{2}{3} E $$

$$\left[\begin{array}{c} \text { where } P=\text { pressure } \ V=\text { volume } \end{array}\right]$$

$E$ is representing only translational part of energy.

  • (a) the total energy per unit volume: This option is incorrect because the equation ( pV = \frac{2}{3} E ) specifically relates to the translational kinetic energy of the gas molecules, not the total energy which would include rotational and possibly vibrational energies as well.

  • (b) only the translational part of energy because rotational energy is very small compared to the translational energy: This option is incorrect because the reason given is not accurate. The rotational energy is not necessarily very small compared to the translational energy. The correct reason is that the equation ( pV = \frac{2}{3} E ) is derived considering only the translational kinetic energy due to the change in linear momentum during collisions with the walls.

  • (d) the translational part of the energy because rotational energies of molecules can be of either sign and its average over all the molecules is zero: This option is incorrect because rotational energies cannot be of either sign; they are always positive. The correct reason is that the equation ( pV = \frac{2}{3} E ) is derived from the translational kinetic energy, which is directly related to the pressure and volume through the change in linear momentum during collisions with the walls.

11. In a diatomic molecule, the rotational energy at a given temperature

(a) obeys Maxwell’s distribution

(b) have the same value for all molecules

(c) equals the translational kinetic energy for each molecule

(d) is (2/3)rd the translational kinetic energy for each molecule

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Answer $(a, d)$

Consider a diatomic molecule as shown in the diagram.

The total energy associated with the molecule is

$$ E=\frac{1}{2} m v_x^{2}+\frac{1}{2} m v_y^{2}+\frac{1}{2} m v_z^{2}+\frac{1}{2} I_{x} \omega_x^{2}+\frac{1}{2} I_{y} \omega_y^{2} $$

This above expression contains translational kinetic energy $(\frac{1}{2} m v^{2})$ corresponding to velocity in each $x, y$ and $z$-directions as well as rotational $KE(\frac{1}{2} I \omega^{2})$ associated with axis of rotations $x$ and $y$.

The number of independent terms in the above expression is 5.

As we can predict velocities of molecules by Maxwell’s distribution, hence the above expression also obeys Maxwell’s distribution.

$\because 2$ rotational and 3 translational energies are associated with each molecule.

$\therefore$ Rotational energy at a given temperature is $(\frac{2}{3})$ rd of translational KE of each molecule.

  • (b) have the same value for all molecules: This option is incorrect because the rotational energy of molecules follows a distribution (Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution) and does not have the same value for all molecules. The energy levels are quantized and can vary among different molecules.

  • (c) equals the translational kinetic energy for each molecule: This option is incorrect because the rotational energy is not equal to the translational kinetic energy. In a diatomic molecule, the rotational energy is a fraction of the translational kinetic energy, specifically (\frac{2}{3}) of the translational kinetic energy, as derived from the degrees of freedom associated with the molecule.

12. Which of the following diagrams (figure) depicts ideal gas behaviour?

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Answer

$(a, c)$

We know that ideal gas equation is

$$ p V=n R T $$

(a) When pressure, $p=$ constant From (i) volume $V \propto$ Temperature $T$

(b) When $T$ = constant

From (i) $p V=$ constant

So, the graph is rectangular hyperbola.

(c) When $V=$ constant.

From (i) $p \propto T$

So, the graph is straight line passes through the origin.

(d) From (i) $p V \propto T$

$\Rightarrow \quad \frac{p V}{T}=$ constant

$\Rightarrow$ So, the graph hence, through origin.

So, (d) is not correct.

  • Option (b): When temperature ( T ) is constant, the relationship ( pV = \text{constant} ) should form a rectangular hyperbola. However, the graph in option (b) does not depict a rectangular hyperbola, hence it does not represent ideal gas behavior under isothermal conditions.

  • Option (d): The relationship ( \frac{pV}{T} = \text{constant} ) implies that the graph should pass through the origin. However, the graph in option (d) does not pass through the origin, hence it does not represent ideal gas behavior.

13. When an ideal gas is compressed adiabatically, its temperature rises the molecules on the average have more kinetic energy than before. The kinetic energy increases,

(a) because of collisions with moving parts of the wall only

(b) because of collisions with the entire wall

(c) because the molecules gets accelerated in their motion inside the volume

(d) because of redistribution of energy amongest the molecules

Show Answer

Thinking Process

The elastic collisions of the molecules with a moving part of two system increases their energy.

Answer (a) When the gas is compressed adiabatically, the total work done on the gas increases its internal energy which in turn increase the KE of gas molecules and hence, the collisions between molecules also increases.

  • (b) The kinetic energy does not increase because of collisions with the entire wall. In an adiabatic process, there is no heat exchange with the surroundings, so the increase in kinetic energy is due to the work done on the gas, not because of collisions with the entire wall.

  • (c) The kinetic energy does not increase because the molecules get accelerated in their motion inside the volume. The acceleration of molecules is a result of the increase in kinetic energy, not the cause. The cause is the work done on the gas during compression.

  • (d) The kinetic energy does not increase because of the redistribution of energy amongst the molecules. Redistribution of energy among molecules does not change the total kinetic energy; it only changes the distribution of energy. The increase in kinetic energy is due to the work done on the gas during adiabatic compression.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

14. Calculate the number of atoms in $39.4 g$ gold. Molar mass of gold is $197 g mole^{-1}$.

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Answer We know that,

$$ \text { Molar mass }=\text { Mass of Avogadro’s number of atoms (Molecules). } $$

$$ =6.023 \times 10^{23} \text { atoms } . $$

Given, $\quad$ molar mass of gold $=197 g / mol$

Now,

$\therefore \quad 197 g$ of gold contains $=6.023 \times 10^{23}$ atoms

$\therefore \quad 1 g$ of gold contain $=\frac{6.023 \times 10^{23}}{197}$ atoms

$\therefore \quad 39.4 g$ of gold contains $=\frac{6.023 \times 10^{23} \times 39.4}{197} \Rightarrow 1.20 \times 10^{23}$ atoms .

15. The volume of a given mass of a gas at $27^{\circ} C, 1 atm$ is $100 cc$. What will be its volume at $327^{\circ} C$ ?

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Answer We have to convert the given temperatures in kelvin . If pressure of a given mass of the gas is kept constant, then

$$ \begin{aligned} & V \propto T \\ & \Rightarrow \quad \frac{V}{T}=\text { constant } \quad[\begin{matrix} V=\text { Volume of gas } \\ T=\text { Temperature of gas } \end{matrix} ] \\ & \Rightarrow \quad \frac{V_1}{T_1}=\frac{V_2}{T_2} \\ & \Rightarrow \quad V_2=V_1(\frac{T_2}{T_1}) \\ & T_1=273+27=300 K \\ & T_2=273+327=600 K \\ & \text { But } \quad V_1=100 cc \\ & V_2=V_1(\frac{600}{300}) \\ & V_2=2 V_1 \\ & V_2=2 \times 100=200 cc \end{aligned} $$

Note To apply ideal gas equation, we must convert the given temperature in kelvin.

16. The molecules of a given mass of a gas have root mean square speeds of $100 ms^{-1}$ at $27^{\circ} C$ and 1.00 atmospheric pressure. What will be the root mean square speeds of the molecules of the gas at $127^{\circ} C$ and 2.0 atmospheric pressure?

Show Answer

Answer We know that for a given mass of a gas

$$ v_{rms}=\sqrt{\frac{3 R T}{M}} $$

where, $R$ is gas constant

$T$ is temperature in kelvin

$M$ is molar mass of the gas.

Clearly,

$$ V_{rms} \propto \sqrt{T} $$

As $R, M$ are constants,

$ \frac{(v _{rms})_1}{(v _{rms})_2} $= $\sqrt \frac{T_1}{T_2} $

Given,

$\therefore$ From Eq. (i)

$(v_{\text {rms }})_1=100 m / s $

$ T_1=27^{\circ} C=27+273=300 K $

$ T_2=127^{\circ} C=127+273=400 K$

from eq (i)

$ \frac {100}{(v_{rms})_2}$ = $ \sqrt \frac{300}{400}$ = $ \frac{\sqrt 3}{2}$

$$ \Rightarrow \quad(v_{rms})_2=\frac{2 \times 100}{\sqrt{3}}=\frac{200}{\sqrt{3}} m / s $$

17. Two molecules of a gas have speeds of $9 \times 10^{6} ms^{-1}$ and $1 \times 10^{6} ms^{-1}$, respectively. What is the root mean square speed of these molecules.

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Answer For $n$-molecules, we know that

$$ v_{rms}=\sqrt{\frac{v_1^{2}+v_2^{2}+v_3^{2}+\ldots \ldots+v_n^{2}}{n}} \quad[\begin{matrix} v_{r m s}=\text { root mean } \\ \text { square velocity } \end{matrix} ] $$

where $v_1, v_2, v_3 \ldots \ldots . . v_{n}$ are individual velocities of $n$-molecules of the gas.

For two molecules,

Given,

$$ v_{r m s}=\sqrt{\frac{v_1^{2}+v_2^{2}}{2}} \quad[v_1, v_2, v_3 \ldots \ldots \ldots . . v_{n} \text { are individual velocity }] $$

and

$$ v_1=9 \times 10^{6} m / s $$

$$ \begin{aligned} v_2 & =1 \times 10^{6} m / s \\ v_{r m s} & =\sqrt{\frac{(9 \times 10^{6})^{2}+(1 \times 10^{6})^{2}}{2}} \\ & =\sqrt{\frac{81 \times 10^{12}+1 \times 10^{12}}{2}} \\ & =\sqrt{\frac{(81+1) \times 10^{12}}{2}} \\ & =\sqrt{\frac{82 \times 10^{12}}{2}} \\ & =\sqrt{41} \times 10^{6} m / s \end{aligned} $$

18. A gas mixture consists of 2.0 moles of oxygen and 4.0 moles of neon at temperature $T$. Neglecting all vibrational modes, calculate the total internal energy of the system. (0xygen has two rotational modes.)

Show Answer

Thinking Process

To find exact value of total energy for a given molecule of a gas, we must know the number of degree of freedom associated with the molecules of the gas.

Answer $O_2$ is a diatomic gas having 5 degrees of freedom.

Energy (total internal) per mole of the gas $=\frac{5}{2} R T$

$[\begin{matrix} R=\text { Universal gas constant } \\ T=\text { temperature }\end{matrix} ]$

For 2 moles of the gas total internal energy $=2 \times \frac{5}{2} R T=5 R T$

Neon (Ne) is a monoatomic gas having 3 degrees of freedom.

$\therefore$ Energy per mole $=\frac{3}{2} R T$

We have 4 moles of $Ne$.

Hence,

$$ \text { Energy }=4 \times \frac{3}{2} R T=6 R T $$

$$ \begin{aligned} \text { Total energy } & =5 R T+6 R T \\ & =11 R T \end{aligned} $$

19. Calculate the ratio of the mean free paths of the molecules of two gases having molecular diameters $1 \AA$ and $2 \AA$. The gases may be considered under identical conditions of temperature, pressure and volume.

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Answer Mean free path of a molecule is given by

$$ l=\frac{1}{\sqrt{2} d^{2} n} $$

where, $n=$ number of molecules/ volume

$d=$ diameter of the molecule

Now, we can write $l \propto \frac{1}{d^{2}}$

Given,

$$ d_1=1 \AA, d_2=2 \AA $$

As

$\Rightarrow$ So,

$$ l_1 \propto \frac{1}{d_1^{2}} \text { and } l_2 \propto \frac{1}{d_2^{2}} $$

$\Rightarrow$ So,

$$ \frac{l_1}{l_2}=(\frac{d_2}{d_1})^{2}=(\frac{2}{1})^{2}=\frac{4}{1} $$

Hence,

$$ l_1: l_2=4: 1 $$

Short Answer Type Questions

20. The container shown in figure has two chambers, separated by a partition, of volumes $V_1=2.0 L$ and $V_2=3.0 L$. The chambers contain $\mu_1=4.0$ and $\mu_2=5.0$ mole of a gas at pressures $p_1=1.00 atm$ and

$p _1, V _1$ $p _2, V _2$
$\mu _1$ $\mu _2$

$p_2=2.00 atm$. Calculate the pressure after the partition is removed and the mixture attains equilibrium.

$V _1, \mu _1$, $V _2$
$p _1$ $\mu _2$,
$p _2$,
Show Answer

Answer Consider the diagram,

Given,

$$ \begin{aligned} V_1 & =2.0 L, V_2=3.0 L \\ \mu_1 & =4.0 mol, \mu_2=5.0 mol \\ p_1 & =1.00 atm, p_2=2.00 atm \end{aligned} $$

For chamber 1, $p_1, V_1=\mu_1 R T_1$

For chamber 2, $p_2, V_2=\mu_2 R T_2$

When the partition is removed the gases get mixed without any loss of energy. The mixture now attains a common equilibrium pressure and the total volume of the system is sum of the volume of individual chambers $V_1$ and $V_2$.

So,

From kinetic theory of gases,

For $l$ mole $\quad p V=\frac{2}{3} E$ $[\begin{matrix} E=\underset{\text { kinetic energy }}{\text { translational }}\end{matrix} ]$

For $\mu_1$ moles,

$$ p_1 V_1=\frac{2}{3} \mu_1 E_1 $$

For $\mu_2$ moles,

$$ p_2 V_2=\frac{2}{3} \mu_2 E_2 $$

Total energy is

$$ (\mu_1 E_1+\mu_2 E_2)=\frac{3}{2}(p_1 V_1+p_2 V_2) $$

From the abvne relation, $\quad p V=\frac{2}{3} E_{\text {total }}=\frac{2}{3} \mu E_{\text {per mole }}$

$$ \begin{aligned} p(V_1+V_2) & =\frac{2}{3} \times \frac{3}{2}(p_1 V_1+p_2 V_2) \\ p & =\frac{p_1 V_1+p_2 V_2}{V_1+V_2} \\ & =(\frac{1.00 \times 2.0+2.00 \times 3.0}{2.0+3.0}) atm \\ & =\frac{8.0}{5.0}=1.60 atm \end{aligned} $$

21. A gas mixture consists of molecules of $A, B$ and $C$ with masses $m_{A}>m_{B}>m_{C}$. Rank the three types of molecules in decreasing order of (a) average KE (b) rms speeds.

Show Answer

Answer (a) The average KE will be the same, as conditions of temperature and pressure are the same.

Now as,

$$ \begin{aligned} v_{rms} & =\sqrt{\frac{3 p V}{M}}=\sqrt{\frac{3 R T}{M}} \\ & =\sqrt{\frac{3 R T}{m N}}=\sqrt{\frac{3 k T}{m}} \end{aligned} $$

where,

Clearly,

$$ \begin{aligned} M & =\text { molar mass of the gas } \\ m & =\text { mass of each molecular of the gas } \\ R & =\text { gas constant } \end{aligned} $$

(b) As k = Boltzmann constant

$$ v_{rms} \propto \sqrt{\frac{1}{m}} $$

$T$ = absolute temperature (same for all)

But $m_{A}>m_{B}>m_{C}$

$(v _ {rms})_A < (v _ {rms})_B < (v _ {rms})_C $

OR

$(v _ {rms})_C > (v _ {rms})_B > (v _ {rms})_A$

22. We have $0.5 g$ of hydrogen gas in a cubic chamber of size $3 cm$ kept at NTP. The gas in the chamber is compressed keeping the temperature constant till a final pressure of $100 atm$. Is one justified in assuming the ideal gas law, in the final state? (Hydrogen molecules can be consider as spheres of radius $1 \AA$ ).

Show Answer

Thinking Process

For justification of assuming the ideal gas law, the molecular volume and the volume occupied of the ideal gas is compared. If both matches, then law holds good otherwise not.

Answer Assuming hydrogen molecules as spheres of radius $1 \AA$.

So, $r=1 \AA=$ radius.

The volume of hydrogen molecules $=\frac{4}{3} \pi r^{3}$

$$ \begin{aligned} & =\frac{4}{3}(3.14)(10^{-10})^{3} \\ & \approx 4 \times 10^{-30} m^{3} \\ \text { Number of moles of } H_2 & =\frac{\text { Mass }}{\text { Molecular mass }} \\ & =\frac{0.5}{2}=0.25 \end{aligned} $$

Molecules of $H_2$ present $=$ Number of moles of $H_2$ present $\times 6.023 \times 10^{23}$

$$ =0.25 \times 6.023 \times 10^{23} $$

$\therefore$ Volume of molecules present $=$ Molecules number $\times$ volume of each molecule

$$ \begin{aligned} & =0.25 \times 6.023 \times 10^{23} \times 4 \times 10^{-30} \\ & =6.023 \times 10^{23} \times 10^{-30} \\ & \approx 6 \times 10^{-7} m^{3} \end{aligned} $$

Now, if ideal gas law is considered to be constant.

$$ \begin{aligned} p_{i} V_{i} & =p_{f} V_{f} \\ V_{f} & =(\frac{p_{i}}{p_{f}}) V_{i}=(\frac{1}{100})(3 \times 10^{-2})^{3} \\ & =\frac{27 \times 10^{-6}}{10^{2}} \\ & =2.7 \times 10^{-7} m^{3} \end{aligned} $$

Hence, on compression the volume of the gas is of the order of the molecular volume [form Eq.(i) and Eq.(ii)]. The intermolecular forces will play role and the gas will deviate from ideal gas behaviour.

23. When air is pumped into a cycle tyre the volume and pressure of the air in the tyre both are increased. What about Boyle’s law in this case?

Show Answer

Answer When air is pumped, more molecules are pumped and Boyle’s law is stated for situation where number of molecules remains constant.

In this case, as the number of air molecules keep increasing. Hence, this is a case of variable mass. Boyle’s law (and even Charle’s law) is only applicable in situations, where number of gas molecules remains fixed.

Hence, in this case Boyle’s law is not applicable.

24. A balloon has 5.0 mole of helium at $7^{\circ} C$. Calculate

(a) the number of atoms of helium in the balloon.

(b) the total internal energy of the system.

Show Answer

Thinking Process

Energy associated with a monoatomic molecule is $\frac{3}{2} k T$.

Answer Given, number of moles of helium $=5$

$$ T=7^{\circ} C=7+273=280 K $$

(a) Hence, number of atoms (He is monoatomic)

$$ \begin{aligned} & =\text { Number of moles } \times \text { Avogadro’s number } \\ & =5 \times 6.023 \times 10^{23} \\ & =30.015 \times 10^{23} \\ & =3.0 \times 10^{24} \text { atoms } \end{aligned} $$

(b) Now, average kinetic energy per molecule $=\frac{3}{2} k_{B} T$

Here, $k_{B}=$ Boltzmann constant.

(It has only 3 degrees of freedom)

$\therefore$ Total energy of all the atoms

$$ \begin{aligned} & =\text { Total internal energy } \\ & =\frac{3}{2} k_{b} T \times \text { number of atoms } \\ & =\frac{3}{2} \times 1.38 \times 10^{-23} \times 280 \times 3.0 \times 10^{24} \\ & =1.74 \times 10^{4} J \end{aligned} $$

25. Calculate the number of degrees of freedom of molecules of hydrogen in 1 cc of hydrogen gas at NTP.

Show Answer

Thinking Process

Total number of degrees of freedom in a thermodynamical system $=$ number of degrees of freedom associated per molecule × number of molecules.

Answer As given molecules are of hydrogen.

$\therefore$ Volume occupied by 1 mole

$$ \begin{aligned} & =1 \text { mole of the gas at NTP } \\ & =22400 mL=22400 cc \end{aligned} $$

$\therefore$ Number of molecules in $1 cc$ of hydrogen

$$ =\frac{6.023 \times 10^{23}}{22400}=2.688 \times 10^{19} $$

$H_2$ is a diatomic gas, having a total of 5 degrees of freedom (3 translational +2 rotational)

$\therefore$ Total degrees of freedom possesed by all the molecules

$$ \begin{aligned} & =5 \times 2.688 \times 10^{19} \\ & =1.344 \times 10^{20} \end{aligned} $$

Note Any ideal gas has a molar volume of $22400 mL$ (cc) at NTP.

26. An insulated container containing monoatomic gas of molar mass $m$ is moving with a velocity $v_{o}$. If the container is suddenly stopped, find the change in temperature.

Show Answer

Thinking Process

As the container is suddenly stopped there is no time for exchange of heat in the process.

Answer According to kinetic interpretation of temperature, absolute temperature of a given sample of a gas is proportional to the total translational kinetic energy of its molecules.

Hence, any change in absolute temperature of a gas will contribute to corresponding change in translational KE and vice-versa.

Assuming $n=$ number of moles.

Given, $\quad m=$ molar mass of the gas.

When, the container stops, its total KE is transferred to gas molecules in the form of translational KE, thereby increasing the absolute temperature.

If $\Delta T$ = change in absolute temperature.

Then, $KE$ of molecules due to velocity $v_0, KE=\frac{1}{2}(m n) v_0^{2}$

Increase in translational $K E=n \frac{3}{2} R(\Delta T)$

According to kinetic theory Eqs. (i) and (ii) are equal

$$ \begin{matrix} \Rightarrow & & \frac{1}{2}(m n) v_0^{2} & =n \frac{3}{2} R(\Delta T) \\ \Rightarrow & & \Delta T & =\frac{(m n) v_0^{2}}{3 n R} \\ \Rightarrow & & n 3 R(\Delta T) \\ \Rightarrow & \Delta T & =\frac{m v_0^{2}}{3 R} \end{matrix} $$

Long Answer Type Questions

27. Explain why

(a) there is no atmosphere on moon

(b) there is fall in temperature with altitude

Show Answer

Answer (a) The moon has small gravitational force (pull) and hence, the escape velocity is small. The value of escape velocity for the moon is $4.6 km / s$.

As the moon is in the proximity of the earth as seen from the sun, the moon has the same amount of heat per unit area as that of the earth.

The air molecules have large range of speeds. Even though the rms speed of the air molecules is smaller than the escape velocity on the moon, a significant number of molecules have speed greater than escape velocity and they escape.

Now, rest of the molecules arrange the speed distribution for the equilibrium temperature. Again a significant number of molecules escape as their speed exceed escape speed. Hence, over a long time the moon has lost most of its atmosphere.

$$ \begin{aligned} \text { At } 300 K, v_{rms}=\sqrt{\frac{3 kT}{m}} & =\sqrt{\frac{3 \times 1.38 \times 10^{-23} \times 300}{7.3 \times 10^{-26}}}=1.7 km / s \\ v_{es} \text { for moon } & =4.6 km / s \quad \quad[v_{es}=\text { escape velocity }] \end{aligned} $$

(b) As the molecules move higher; their potential energy increases and hence, kinetic energy decreases and hence, temperature reduces.

At greater height more volume is available and gas expands and hence, some cooling takes place.

Note We should not relate temperature directly with potential energy. It is directly related with kinetic energy of the molecules.

28. Consider an ideal gas with following distribution of speeds.

Speed $(m / s)$ % of molecules
200 10
400 20
600 40
800 20
1000 10

(a) Calculate $v_{\text {rms }}$ and hence $T .(m=3.0 \times 10^{-26} kg)$

(b) If all the molecules with speed $1000 m / s$ escape from the system, calculate new $v_{\text {rms }}$ and hence $T$.

Show Answer

Thinking Process

In this problem, it is shown that cooling takes place after evaporation.

Answer (a) We know that

$$ v_rms^{2}=\frac{\sum_{i} n_{i} v_i^{2}}{\sum n_{i}} $$

This is the rms speed for all molecules collectively.

$$ \text { Now, } \begin{aligned} v_{\text {rms }} & =(\frac{\sum_{i} n_{i} v_i^{2}}{\sum n_{i}})^{\frac{1}{2}} \\ & =\sqrt{\frac{n_1 v_1^{2}+n_2 v_2^{2}+n_3 v_3^{2}+\ldots \ldots \ldots+n_{n} v_n^{2}}{n_1+n_2+n_3+\ldots \ldots . .+n_{n}}} \\ & =\sqrt{\frac{n_1 v_1^{2}+n_2 v_2^{2}+n_3 v_3^{2}+n_4 v_4^{2}+n_5 v_5^{2}}{n_1+n_2+n_3+n_4+n_5}} \\ & =\sqrt{\frac{.10 \times(200)^{2}+20 \times(400)^{2}+40 \times 600)^{2}+20 \times(800)^{2}+10 \times(1000)^{2}}{100}} \\ & =\sqrt{1000 \times(4+32+144+128+100)} \\ & =\sqrt{408 \times 1000} \approx 639 m / s . \end{aligned} $$

Now, according to kinetic theory of gasses

$$ \begin{aligned} \frac{1}{2} m v_rms^{2} & =\frac{3}{2} k_{B} T \quad[\begin{matrix} K_{B}=\text { Boltzmann constant } \\ m=\text { mass of gaseous molecules } \end{matrix} ] \\ T=\frac{1}{3} \frac{m v_rms^{2}}{k_{B}} & =\frac{1}{3} \times \frac{3.0 \times 10^{-26} \times 4.08 \times 10^{5}}{1.38 \times 10^{-23}} \\ & =2.96 \times 10^{2} K=296 K \end{aligned} $$

(b) If all the molecules with speed $1000 m / s$ escape, then

$$ \begin{aligned} v_rms^{2} & =\frac{10 \times(200)^{2}+20 \times(400)^{2}+40 \times(600)^{2}+20 \times(800)^{2}}{90} \\ & =\frac{10 \times 100^{2} \times(1 \times 4+2 \times 16+4 \times 36+2 \times 64)}{90} \\ & =10000 \times \frac{308}{9}=342 \times 1000 m^{2} / s^{2} \\ \text { Again } \quad v_{rms} & =584 m / s \\ T & =\frac{1}{3} \frac{mv rms^{2}}{k} \\ & =\frac{1}{3} \times \frac{3 \times 10^{-26} \times 3.42 \times 10^{5}}{1.38 \times 10^{-23}} \\ & =2.478 \times 10^{2} \\ & =247.8 \approx 248 K \end{aligned} $$

Note After escaping of molecules with speed of $1000 m / s$, the temperature in part (b) is $248 K$ whereas in part (a) before escaping of molecules the temperature was 296 K. Thus, evaporation facilitates cooling.

29. Ten small planes are flying at a speed of $150 km / h$ in total darkness in an air space that is $20 \times 20 \times 1.5 km^{3}$ in volume. You are in one of the planes, flying at random within this space with no way of knowing where the other planes are. On the average about how long a time will elapse between near collision with your plane. Assume for this rough computation that a saftey region around the plane can be approximated by a sphere of radius $10 m$.

Show Answer

Thinking Process

To solve this problem, we have to consider the relaxation time as well as mean free path.

Answer The situation can be considered as the time of relaxation, based on kinetic theory of gases. Mean free path is the distance between two successive collisions, which we will consider here as the distance travelled by the plane before it just avoids the collision safe radius is equivalent to radius of the atom.

Hence, the required time

$$ \begin{aligned} t=\frac{l}{V}, l=\text { mean free path } & =\frac{1}{\sqrt{2} \pi d^{2} n}, n=\text { number density }=\frac{N}{V} \\ n & =\frac{\text { Number of aeroplanes }(N)}{\text { Volume }(V)} \\ & =\frac{10}{20 \times 20 \times 1.5}=0.0167 km^{-3} \\ t & =\frac{1}{\sqrt{2} \pi d^{2}(N / V)} \times \frac{1}{V} \quad[V=\text { velocity of aeroplane }] \end{aligned} $$

By putting the given data,

$$ \begin{aligned} t & =\frac{1}{\sqrt{2} \times 3.14 \times(20)^{2} \times 0.0167 \times 10^{-6} \times 150} \\ & =\frac{10^{6}}{1776.25 \times 2.505} \\ & =\frac{10^{6}}{4449.5}=224.74 h \\ & \approx 225 h \end{aligned} $$

30. A box of $1.00 m^{3}$ is filled with nitrogen at $1.50 atm$ at $300 K$. The box has a hole of an area $0.010 mm^{2}$. How much time is required for the pressure to reduce by $0.10 atm$, if the pressure outside is $1 atm$.

Show Answer

Answer Given, volume of the box, $V=1.00 m^{3}$

$$ \begin{gathered} \text { Area }=a=0.010 mm^{2} \\ =8.01 \times 10^{-6} m^{2} \\ =10^{-8} m^{2} \end{gathered} $$

Temperature outside $=$ Temperature inside

Initial pressure inside the $b o x=1.50 atm$.

Final pressure inside the $box=0.10 atm$.

$p_{\text {outside }}=1$ atm Assuming,

$v_{i x}=$ Speed of nitrogen molecule inside the box along $x$-direction.

$n_{i}=$ Number of molecules per unit volume in a time interval of $\Delta T$, all the particles at a distance $(v_{i x} \Delta t)$ will collide the hole and the wall, the particle colliding along the hole will escape out reducing the pressure in the box.

Let area of the wall, number of particles colliding in time

$$ \Delta t=\frac{1}{2} n_{i}(v_{i x} \Delta t) A $$

$\frac{1}{2}$ is the factor because all the particles along $x$-direction are behaving randomly. Hence, half of these are colliding against the walls on either side.

Inside the box, $\quad v_{i x}^{2}+v_{i y}^{2}+v_{i z}^{2}=v_{\text {rms }}^{2}$

$$ .\begin{matrix} \therefore & v_{i x}^{2}=\frac{v_rms^{2}}{3} \\ \text { or } & \frac{1}{2} m v_rms^{2} & =\frac{3}{2} k_{B} T \\ \Rightarrow & v_rms^{2} & =\frac{3 k_{B} T}{m} \end{matrix} ] $$

[According to kinetic theory of gases]

Now

$$ v_{i x}^{2}=\frac{v_rms^{2}}{3}=\frac{1}{3} \times \frac{3 k_{B} T}{m} $$

or

$$ v_{i x}^{2}=\frac{k_{B} T}{m} $$

$\therefore$ Number of particles colliding in time

$$ \Delta t=\frac{1}{2} n_{i} \sqrt{\frac{k_{B} T}{m}} \Delta t A $$

If particles collide along hole, they move out. Similarly, outer particles colliding along hole will move in.

If $a=$ area of hole

Then, net particle flow in time $\Delta t=\frac{1}{2}(n_1-n_2) \sqrt{\frac{k_{B} T}{m}} \Delta t a$

[Temperatures inside and outside the box are equal]

$$ p V=\mu R T \Rightarrow \mu=\frac{p V}{R T} $$

Let $n=$ number density of nitrogen $=\frac{\mu N_{A}}{V}=\frac{p N_{A}}{R T}$

Let $N_{A}=$ Avogardro’s number

If after time $\tau$ pressure inside changes from $p$ to $p_1^{1}$

$$ \therefore \quad \quad n_1^{\prime}=\frac{V N_{A}}{R T} $$

Now, number of molecules gone out $=n_1 V-n_1^{\prime} V$

$ =\frac{1}{2}(n_1-n_2) \sqrt{\frac{k_{B} T}{m}} \tau a $

$\therefore \frac{p_1 N_{A}}{R T} V-\frac{v N_{A}}{R T} V =\frac{1}{2}(p_1-p_2) \frac{N_{A}}{R T} \sqrt{\frac{k_{B} T}{m}} \tau a $

$ \text { or } \frac{p_1 N_{A}}{R T} V-\frac{v N_{A}}{R T} V =\frac{1}{2}(p_1-p_2) \frac{N_{A}}{R T} \sqrt{\frac{k_{B} T}{m}} \tau a $

$ \therefore \tau =2(\frac{p_1-p v_1}{p_1-p_2}) \frac{V}{a} \sqrt{\frac{m}{k_{B} T}}$

Putting the values from the data given,

$$ \begin{aligned} \tau & =2(\frac{1.5-1.4}{1.5-1.0}) \frac{1 \times 1.00}{0.01 \times 10^{-6}} \sqrt{\frac{46.7 \times 10^{-27}}{1.38 \times 10^{-23} \times 300}} \\ & =2(\frac{0.1}{0.5}) \frac{1}{10^{-8}} \sqrt{\frac{4.7}{1.38 \times 3} \times 10^{-6}} \\ & =2(\frac{1}{5}) 1 \times 10^{8} \times 10^{-3} \times \sqrt{\frac{46.7}{4.14}}=\frac{2}{5} \times 10^{5} \sqrt{\frac{45.7}{4.14}} \\ & =\frac{2}{5} \times 10^{5} \sqrt{11.28} \\ & =\frac{2}{5} \times 3.358 \times 10^{5}=\frac{6.717}{5} \times 10^{5}=1.343 \times 10^{5} s \end{aligned} $$

31. Consider a rectangular block of wood moving with a velocity $v_0$ in a gas at temperature $T$ and mass density $\rho$. Assume the velocity is along $x$-axis and the area of cross-section of the block perpendicular to $v_0$ is $A$. Show that the drag force on the block is $4 r A v_0 \sqrt{\frac{k T}{m}}$, where, $m$ is the mass of the gas molecule.

Show Answer

Thinking Process

If a massive body is moving with respect to a lighter body with velocity $v+v_{o}$, then the lighter body suffers a change in momentum $2 m(v+v_0)$ which is transferred to the heavier body.

Answer Consider the diagram

Let $n=$ number of molecules per unit volume

$v_{\text {rms }}=$ rms speed of the gas molecules

When block is moving with speed $v_0$, relative speed of molecules w.r.t. front face $=v+v_0$

Coming head on, momentum transferred to block per collision $=2 m(v+v_0)$,

where, $m=$ mass of molecule.

Number of collission in time $\Delta t=\frac{1}{2}(v+v_0) n \Delta t A$, where, $A=$ area of cross-section of block and factor of $1 / 2$ appears due to particles moving towards block.

$\therefore$ Momentum transferred in time $\Delta t=m(v+v_0)^{2} n A \Delta t$ from front surface.

Similarly, momentum transferred in time $\Delta t=m(v-v_0)^{2} n A \Delta t$ (from back surface)

$\therefore$ Net force

$$ \begin{aligned} (\text { drag force }) & =m n A[(v+v_0)^{2}-(v-v_0)^{2}] \\ & =m n A(4 v v_0)=(4 m n A v) v_0 \\ & =(4 \rho A v) v_0 \\ \text { ned } \quad \quad \rho & =\frac{m n}{v}=\frac{M}{V} \end{aligned} $$

where we have assumed

[from front]

If $v=$ velocity along $x$-axis

Then, we can write

$$ KE=\frac{1}{2} m v^{2}=\frac{1}{2} k_{B} T $$

$\Rightarrow$

$$ v=\sqrt{\frac{k_{B} T}{m}} $$

$[\begin{matrix} K_{B} & =\text { Boltzmann constant } \\ K E & =\text { Kinetic energy } \\ T & =\text { Temperature }\end{matrix} ]$

$\therefore$ From Eq. (i), $\quad$ Drag force $=(4 \rho A v) v_0=4 \rho A \sqrt{\frac{k_{B} T}{m}} v_0$.



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