Calculating Thermal Speed VTh with R Constant

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter negation
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Speed Thermal
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the calculation of thermal speed (VTh) using the equation VTh = sqrt[(3RT)/M], where M represents molar mass. Participants are exploring the appropriate value of the constant R to use in this context, considering different constants that may apply.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the equation for thermal speed and questions which R constant should be used.
  • Another participant asks for clarification on whether there is more than one R constant, implying confusion over the constants involved.
  • There is a suggestion that both the Boltzmann constant and the ideal gas constant could be relevant.
  • A participant raises the issue of which constant has the appropriate units to fit into the equation.
  • Another participant questions the usage of R for the Boltzmann constant specifically.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion reveals uncertainty regarding the appropriate constant R to use, with multiple viewpoints on whether different constants are applicable. No consensus is reached on which constant is correct or appropriate for the equation.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not clarify the specific conditions under which each constant might be used, nor do they resolve the implications of unit compatibility in the equation.

negation
Messages
817
Reaction score
0
VTh= sqrt[(3RT)/M] where M is the molar mass

How do we determine which R constant to use?
 
Science news on Phys.org
What do you mean? Do you suppose there is more than one?
 
Last edited:
nasu said:
What do you mean? Do you suppose there more than one?


Isn't the Boltzmann constant and the ideal gas constant?
 
Which constant has the proper units to fit into the equation?
 
Who uses R for the Boltzmann constant?
 

Similar threads

High School Can we use molecular speed of gas formula also for the air?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Interseasonal heat storage / sand battery insulation?
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
6K
Undergrad Concept of Thermal Equilibrium in the Context of Canonical Ensemble
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Undergrad How to measure average thermal conductivity of a metallic material?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Cannot understand formula for molar heat capacities of an ideal gas
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
Pressure-Volume Work
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
Undergrad Extremely strange consequence of the speed of heat value
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
Undergrad Empirical temperature scales using different thermometers
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Undergrad Estimating a thermal equilibrium on a custom made fridge
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
2K
Graduate Measurement uncertainty due to thermal noise
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K