Atomic Vibration Speed: m/s Conversion

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the conversion of atomic vibration frequency in Hz to speed in meters per second (m/s). It clarifies that frequency, expressed in Hz, cannot be directly converted to speed due to incompatible units. The maximum velocity of atomic vibrations can be estimated using the formula 2π × frequency × amplitude. Additionally, thermal neutrons exhibit a root mean square (rms) velocity of approximately 2200 m/s at room temperature, while heavier molecules like nitrogen (N2) have an rms velocity calculated as 2200/sqrt(28), where 28 represents the molecular mass of nitrogen.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of frequency and its measurement in Hertz (Hz)
  • Basic knowledge of simple harmonic motion
  • Familiarity with root mean square (rms) velocity calculations
  • Knowledge of Boltzmann's constant and its application in thermodynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the relationship between frequency and amplitude in simple harmonic motion
  • Study the derivation and application of the rms velocity formula for different gases
  • Learn about Boltzmann's constant and its significance in statistical mechanics
  • Explore the concept of thermal velocities in various states of matter
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, chemists, and students studying thermodynamics or quantum mechanics, particularly those interested in atomic behavior and molecular dynamics.

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How fast does an atom vibrate in m/s. I have found how fast it vibrates in hz but I'm trying to convert that to speed. Thanx.
 
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You can't express a frequency in m/s

Frequency is expressed in Hz, or /s. The units are not compatible.
 
You can get a rough estimate by assuming the vibrations are simple harmonic.The velocity varies between zero and a maximum of 2pi*frequency*amplitude of vibration.(as matterwave pointed out it was probably the frequency that you found)
 
Thermal neutrons (mass = 1 AMU) have an rms velocity of about 2200 meters per second at room temperature. Heavier molecules like N2 have an rms velocity of 2200/sqrt (28)where 28 is the gram molecular mass of nitrogen molecule. The relation is (1/2) m v2 = kT where k is Boltzmann's constant and T is in kelvin.

Boltzmanns constant = 1.38 x 10-23 Joules per degree kelvin
 

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