Cant understand those lines in a text about solid state physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding concepts in solid state physics related to gas molecules, specifically focusing on the calculation of heat energy, density, and energy formulas. Participants are examining the assumptions and derivations presented in a text, raising questions about the validity of certain equations and the reasoning behind them.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the assumption that gas molecules divide evenly among six directions, suggesting that a majority could be moving in one direction instead.
  • Another participant explains that gas molecules constantly change direction due to collisions, which justifies taking an average over the six possible directions.
  • A participant expresses confusion over a formula involving the product of density and distance, questioning how multiplying these quantities results in a meaningful unit.
  • In a follow-up question, a participant seeks clarification on why the density (n) is included in the energy formula, contrasting it with a simpler energy expression that does not include density.
  • Another participant suggests using the ideal gas law to relate pressure, density, and temperature, indicating a potential approach to find density.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the formulas used in the context of calculating energy, indicating a lack of alignment with standard formulations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the assumptions made in the text regarding gas molecule behavior, the validity of certain formulas, or the interpretation of units. Multiple competing views and uncertainties remain throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in understanding specific derivations and the implications of certain assumptions, such as the uniform distribution of gas molecules and the interpretation of energy formulas. These points remain unresolved.

nhrock3
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"we want to calculate the heat energy of a gas molecule
n - is the number of molecules per volume
v_th - is the average speed of gas molecule
L - is the distance which travels one molecule in a certain time

we have six directions for which they travel
+-x +-y +-z

so in each time n/6 of the molecules travel in every one of those 6 dircetion."


i can't see how?
we have n molecules why they divided evenly
it could be the in the +z direction move 5/6n of the molecules

??
 
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Gas molecules are energetic and bounces off of walls and gazillions of other gas molecules. As a result they constantly change direction. That's why it's impractical to assign one specific direction because in the next moment a gas molecule will bounce off something and fly in the opposite direction. That's why the average of 6 possible directions is taken.
 
thanks :)
next question about missundertood text:(question 2)
"the total amount of molecules which hit an area unit in a certain time
equals 1/6 of the number of molecules which present in the rectangular box
the area of its base is L=V_th*1
so
we have 1/6 * n *L=(n*V_th)/6
"
a bout this
L=V_th*1
V_th is the speed .sped times 1 cannot be area?

how they got
1/6 * n *L*1=(n*V_th)/6
?
n is the number of molecules per volume ,L is the distance which travels in some time
so i can't understand what is the result of multiplying dencity by distance
its undefined.

n*V_th is speed time density another undefined unit
??
 
Last edited:
(question 3)
formula question:"
calculate the density n and its the material energy of a gas which is contained in presure 5 and termperature 325k"

i am not asking you to solve this homw work question
my question is about the formula
i know that
[tex] \frac{mv_{th}^2}{2}=\frac{3}{2}kT[/tex]
the left side represent the total energy
or
[tex] E=\frac{3}{2}kT[/tex]
so i used this formula
but in the solution they use
[tex] E=n\frac{3}{2}kT[/tex]
why they added the n?
 
nhrock3 said:
(question 3)
formula question:"
calculate the density n and its the material energy of a gas which is contained in presure 5 and termperature 325k"

i am not asking you to solve this homw work question
my question is about the formula
i know that
[tex] \frac{mv_{th}^2}{2}=\frac{3}{2}kT[/tex]
the left side represent the total energy
or
[tex] E=\frac{3}{2}kT[/tex]
so i used this formula
but in the solution they use
[tex] E=n\frac{3}{2}kT[/tex]
why they added the n?

I'm not sure this is helpful, but if you are wanting to determine the density of an ideal gas, n, wouldn't you want to use p=nkT where p is the pressure, T is the temperature, and k is Boltzmann's constant?
 
i need to calculate the energy too
my dilema is about the formula they used its not like the formal formulaa
 

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