Ideal Gas in Piston (Constant Pressure vs Rate of collision)

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of an ideal gas in a frictionless piston system under constant pressure conditions. When the gas is heated, the average kinetic energy (KE) of the molecules increases, leading to a decrease in the rate of collision with the piston. This phenomenon occurs because, despite the increase in molecular speed, the frequency of collisions must decrease to maintain constant pressure. The mathematical relationship derived shows that the collision frequency, f, is inversely proportional to the square root of temperature (T) when pressure (p) is constant.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of ideal gas laws and principles
  • Familiarity with kinetic theory of gases
  • Knowledge of Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution
  • Basic proficiency in mathematical derivations related to physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the ideal gas law and its implications
  • Explore the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution in detail
  • Learn about the relationship between temperature, pressure, and volume in thermodynamics
  • Investigate advanced kinetic theory concepts and their applications
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on thermodynamics and kinetic theory, as well as educators seeking to explain the principles of gas behavior in controlled environments.

Stunner
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
A syringe contains ideal gas. The piston is frictionless and no gas escapes. Once heated slowly, the piston moves outwards. The piston stops moving when the temperature is steady. The pressure of the gas after the piston stops moving remains the same (no change in pressure). What can we say about the rate of collision between the gas molecules and piston?
1) Ok we know that the average speed of the molecules increases (hence increased KE).
2) It is said that the rate of collision “decreases”.
Reason: KE increases. If frequency of collision remains the same (or increases), the pressure would increase. But pressure remains constant, so the frequency of collision has to be lower.

This is a very logical approach to answering the problem. But is there a mathematical derivation to show how this is so? The closest I can find is P=(Nmv^2)/(3V) where v is the average speed per molecule and V is the volume. N is the number of molecules and m is the mass.
Is there a formula showing how rate of collision is linked to an increased temperature (given increased volume and constant pressure).

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also let me know if there’s anyone I can ask. Thank you so much in advance!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
We can show that the number, f, of collisions per unit wall area, per unit time is given by f\:=\:\frac{1}{4}\frac{N}{V}\overline{v}
in which \overline{v} is the mean speed of the molecules.

It can be shown from the Maxwell distribution of molecular speeds that \overline{v}=0.921v_{rms}.

So f\:=\:\frac{1}{4}0.921\frac{N}{V}v_{rms}.

But pV=\frac{1}{3}Nmv_{rms}^2

Eliminating v_{rms} we obtain
f\:=\:\frac{1}{4}0.921\sqrt{\frac{3Np}{mV}}
and, finally, eliminating V using pV = NkT

We have f\:=\:\frac{1}{4}0.921\sqrt{\frac{3p^2}{mRT}}

So we have established that for constant p, f is proportional to \frac{1}{\sqrt T}
 
Stunner: Is this what you wanted?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
959
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K