How Do Nitrogen Molecules Accelerate and Exert Force on a Wall?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the average acceleration of a nitrogen molecule and the force it exerts on a wall upon impact. Given the molecule's speed of 6.70 x 10^2 m/s and mass of 4.68 x 10^-26 kg, the average acceleration can be determined using the formula a = Δv/Δt, where Δv is the change in velocity and Δt is the time interval of 1.80 x 10^-13 s. Participants suggest looking for equations related to accelerated motion, emphasizing the importance of understanding initial and final velocities. Resources are shared for further exploration of kinematics and motion equations. The conversation highlights the need for foundational knowledge in physics to solve the problem effectively.
okool
Messages
3
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



The average speed of a nitrogen molecule in air is about 6.70 multiplied by 102 m/s, and its mass is about 4.68 multiplied by 10-26 kg.

(a) If it takes 1.80 multiplied by 10-13 s for a nitrogen molecule to hit a wall and rebound with the same speed but moving in an opposite direction (assumed to be the negative direction), what is the average acceleration of the molecule during this time interval?


(b) What average force does the molecule exert on the wall?

Homework Equations


I have no idea


The Attempt at a Solution


I don't even know how to attempt
 
Physics news on Phys.org
We can't help much without seeing some effort from you.
It is accelerated motion. Have you any formulas for accelerated motion? Look for one with a change in velocity, Δv or Vf - Vi in it because you are given those values.
 
Obviously I've already exhausted all the resources I have and all the methods I've tried do not work or else I would not be here...the only formula I have with that is v^2-v_0^2=2a(x-x_0) but I don't have x...not sure what v and v_0 are either..
 
There is a decent set of equations here: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/acons.html

Note that it uses V and Vo instead of Vf and Vi.
It says "acceleration is the slope on the velocity graph", which means a = Δv/Δt, a nice variation on the formulas it has with the V and Vo. Think of Δv as Vf - Vi. And Δt is just t if you are starting out at time zero.

There is a nice set of formulas and their derivations here:
http://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Motion_-_Kinematics#Motion_with_constant_acceleration
 
Last edited:
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Similar threads

A ball bounces off a brick wall, Find the average acceleration
Replies
5
Views
5K
Average Kinetic Energy of molecules calculation
Replies
7
Views
1K
Average velocity of gas molecules in a container
Replies
3
Views
5K
Work done during a collision -- Change in Kinetic Energy & change in Momentum
Replies
1
Views
2K
The question: Can nitrogen molecules escape from Europa and into space?
Replies
15
Views
2K
Calculating the average force of a molecule in a vessel
Replies
1
Views
3K
What is the average force on the wall?
Replies
1
Views
2K
Vectors, how to find average acceleration
Replies
13
Views
7K
Rotational Motion: Average angular acceleration of a CD
Replies
2
Views
6K
Do I need to consider mass in the equations?
Replies
3
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top