Find the pressure p_1 due to a single particle

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the pressure \( p_1 \) due to a single particle, with a focus on expressing this pressure in terms of various physical constants and dimensions such as Boltzmann's constant \( k_B \), absolute temperature \( T \), and the dimensions of a rectangular prism \( L_x, L_y, L_z \).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between pressure, volume, and temperature, questioning the application of the ideal gas law for a single particle. There are attempts to define relevant variables and clarify the context of the problem, including the dimensions of the system.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on expressing volume in terms of the dimensions of the prism and have noted the distinction of dealing with a single particle rather than moles. There is an ongoing exploration of how to relate pressure to the squared speed of the particle and the variables involved, with no explicit consensus reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention constraints related to the problem being from a specific physics resource (Mastering Physics) and express confusion regarding the treatment of moles in the context of a single particle.

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Please help.

Find the pressure p_1 due to a single particle. Express the pressure due to a single particle in terms of k_B, T, L_x, L_y, L_z, and any other given quantities.

I tried using pV=N(k_b)T, but it is wrong.

Thank you.
 

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Care to define those variables?
 
k_B is boltzmanns constant. If you look at the picture, you can see that L_x, L_y, and L_z are the length, width and height of the rectangular prism. T is the absolute temperature.
 
You can express V in terms of L_x, L_y, L_z
Is this mastering physics?

p = kT/V

No moles here, single particle.
 
Yeah, mastering physics. That's what stuffed me up- the moles. Thanks.
 
Ok...I've now found the pressure for that, and I also found the pressure fon the wall due to a single particle whose squared speed in the x direction is v_x^2 [the answer to the later is (m*v_x)/V]. Now I need to find the pressure in terms of T, k and V, and any other given quantities, but I can't seem to get it.
 
Show me your work for finding the pressure for v_x, and v_x^2.
 
p = F/A

The force is equal to dp(momentum)/dt = (2mv_x)/((2*L_x)/(v_x))

Area = Ly*Lz

Therefore, p = (m*v_x)/V
 

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