The average distance a molecule can travel without colliding is calleda)Average distanceb)Mean free pathc)Mean driftd)Mean distanceCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

Mean free path is the average distance between the two successive collisions. Inside the gas there are several molecules which are randomly moving and colliding with each other. The distance which a particular gas molecule travels without colliding is known as mean free path.

Answer

The mean free path is the average distance traveled by a moving molecule between collisions.In physics, the mean free path is the average distance travelled 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.

Answer

Mean Free Path:
The mean free path is the average distance a molecule can travel without colliding with other molecules. It is a concept used in the study of gases and is particularly relevant in understanding the behavior of individual gas molecules.

Explanation:
The mean free path is a measure of the average distance that a molecule can travel in a gas before it collides with another molecule. It is a statistical property that depends on several factors including the density of the gas, the size and shape of the molecules, and the temperature.

Factors affecting the mean free path:
Several factors influence the mean free path of gas molecules:

1. Density of the gas: The mean free path decreases as the density of the gas increases. This is because higher density means there are more molecules present in a given volume, leading to a higher probability of collisions.

2. Size and shape of the molecules: The mean free path is affected by the size and shape of the gas molecules. Smaller and more compact molecules will have a longer mean free path compared to larger and more elongated molecules.

3. Temperature: The mean free path increases with increasing temperature. This is because higher temperatures lead to greater molecular motion and higher average velocities of the gas molecules. As a result, the molecules can travel larger distances before colliding with each other.

Importance:
The mean free path is an important concept in understanding the behavior of gases. It helps explain phenomena such as diffusion, thermal conductivity, and viscosity. For example, in the context of diffusion, the mean free path determines the average distance that gas molecules travel before they mix with other molecules.

Conclusion:
The average distance a molecule can travel without colliding is called the mean free path. It is a measure of the average distance between collisions and is influenced by factors such as the density of the gas, the size and shape of the molecules, and the temperature. Understanding the mean free path is crucial in explaining various gas properties and phenomena.

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