Calculating Mean Free Path Ratios in a Divided Ideal Gas System

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the ratio of mean free paths in a divided ideal gas system with different temperatures in each section. The original poster presents an initial approach based on volume and number of particles, while questioning the correctness of their assumption regarding pressure.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to relate mean free path to volume and number of particles, while also considering temperature and pressure. Other participants question the validity of this approach and clarify the role of particle motion in the calculations.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in clarifying the assumptions made by the original poster. Some have provided insights into the relationship between particle motion and mean free path, indicating a productive exploration of the topic without reaching a consensus on the correct approach.

Contextual Notes

There is an assumption that pressure is the same in both sections, which is being questioned. The original poster's expectation of a specific ratio is also under scrutiny, as they note a discrepancy between their calculation and the expected result.

Tachyonprince
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I have a box with a wall in mid dividing it in 2 sections, and the wall has a hole of diameter d. There is ideal gas in both sections at 150 K in one section and at 300 K in another. How am I supposed to calculate ratio of mean free paths in 2 sections.

My attempt: L ~ Volume / Number of particles
=> L ~ Temperature / Pressure

Now, Assuming pressure to be same on both sections, ratio must be half. But that is incorrect. Why? Correct answer is 0.7.
 
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Hello your majesty, :welcome:

And read the PF guidelines -- they apply to royalty, too..

But what the heck, I'll risk my neck (perhaps I can be knighted posthumously... :rolleyes: ):

Tachyonprince said:
L ~ Volume / Number of particles
Can't be right: this only applies if target particles aren't moving
 
BvU said:
Can't be right: this only applies if target particles aren't moving
No, that refers to the precise expression involving the average velocity of particles. The moving target is corrected for by multiplying the average velocity by a factor of √2. The proportionality to V/N is unaffected.
 
I agree. Unfortunate Wrong way to put it on my part
 

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