Mean free path is thea)maximum distance between collisionsb)minimum di...
Explanation:the mean free path is the average distance traveled by a moving particle (such as an atom, a molecule, a photon) between successive impacts (collisions), which modify its direction or energy or other particle properties.
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Mean free path is thea)maximum distance between collisionsb)minimum di...
Mean free path is defined as the average distance traveled by a particle between consecutive collisions with other particles. It is an important concept in the study of gases and is used to understand various phenomena such as diffusion, electrical conductivity, and viscosity.
The correct answer to the given question is option 'C', i.e., the mean free path is the average distance between collisions.
Explanation:
1. Defining Mean Free Path:
- Mean free path (λ) is a statistical concept that describes the average distance traveled by a particle before it collides with another particle.
- It is a measure of how far a particle can move before it interacts with another particle.
- The mean free path depends on factors such as the density of the gas, the size and shape of the particles, and the temperature.
2. Calculation of Mean Free Path:
- To calculate the mean free path, we need to consider the total distance traveled by a particle and the number of collisions it experiences.
- Let's consider a gas with a total volume V containing N particles.
- The total distance traveled by all particles in the gas is given by the product of the velocity (v) and the time (t) it takes for a particle to travel a distance equal to the mean free path.
- The total distance traveled by all particles is V = N * λ.
- Rearranging the equation, we get the mean free path as λ = V / N.
3. Understanding the Options:
- Option 'A' states that the mean free path is the maximum distance between collisions. This is incorrect because the mean free path is an average value and can vary depending on the specific conditions of the gas.
- Option 'B' states that the mean free path is the minimum distance between collisions. This is also incorrect because the mean free path is an average value and may be greater than the minimum distance between collisions.
- Option 'D' states that the mean free path is the average of the maximum and minimum distances between collisions. This is incorrect because the mean free path is solely determined by the average distance between collisions.
4. Conclusion:
- The mean free path is the average distance traveled by a particle between consecutive collisions with other particles.
- It is calculated by dividing the total volume of the gas by the number of particles.
- The mean free path is an important concept in the study of gases and helps in understanding their behavior and properties.
Mean free path is thea)maximum distance between collisionsb)minimum di...
Option C is correct...
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