Explaining the 2 in Δt = 2L/vx in Kinetic Theory

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the derivation of pressure in the kinetic theory of gases, specifically addressing the equation Δt = 2L/vx, which calculates the time between collisions with a wall in a container. A key point of confusion arises regarding the subsequent step where the force equation F = Δp/Δt = mvx²/L appears to omit the factor of 2. The clarification provided indicates that the factor of 2 cancels out when considering the change in momentum, as it is accounted for in the initial expression for momentum change. This cancellation is crucial for arriving at the correct expression for pressure in the context of kinetic theory.
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinetic_theory#Pressure_and_kinetic_energy

Based on the derivation for P in the above link, one of the early steps was:

Δt = 2L/vx

which is fine since it is analyzing one specific wall of the container, but then in the next step:

F = Δp/Δt = mvx2/L

And the 2 seems to disappear completely. Could anyone please explain why it is gone?
 
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The 2 cancels with the expression for the change in momentum (1st line).
 

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