Intermolecular forces and Transport phenomena

Thread starter jacobtwilliams001
Start date May 4, 2021
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Forces Intermolecular forces Phenomena Transport Transport phenomena

In summary, intermolecular forces are the attractive or repulsive forces between molecules that greatly influence the physical properties and transport phenomena of substances. They differ from intramolecular forces, which hold atoms together within a molecule. The main types of intermolecular forces are London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, and hydrogen bonds. These forces impact the boiling and melting points of a substance, with stronger forces resulting in higher points. Intermolecular forces can be manipulated by changing temperature, pressure, or composition of a substance.

May 4, 2021

jacobtwilliams001

Homework Statement: There is a small uniform pressure gradient in an ideal gas at constant
temperature, so that there is a mass flow in the direction of the gradient. Using the mean
free path approach show that the rate flow of mass in the direction of the pressure
gradient per unit of area and per unit pressure gradient is mv(average)l/3kT.

Relevant Equations: mean free path: l=1/n*sigma
mass of flow rate: m^degree=rho*V*A
Kinetic Theory:
PV=NkT
NkT=1/3*Nm*v(average)^2
1/2*m*v(average)^2=3/2*kT

I am able to find and understand T from kinetic theory, but I do not understand how to use pressure gradient per unit of area and per unit pressure gradient.

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May 5, 2021

mjc123

Science Advisor

Homework Helper

There is no such thing as "pressure gradient per unit of area". What the question wants, though the wording is perhaps a bit unclear, is the rate of mass flow per unit area and per unit pressure gradient, the mass flow being in the direction of the pressure gradient.
I.e. (1/(A*dP/dx))*dm/dt

1. What are intermolecular forces?

Intermolecular forces are the attractive or repulsive forces that exist between molecules. These forces are responsible for the physical properties of substances such as melting and boiling points, viscosity, and surface tension.

2. What are the different types of intermolecular forces?

The three main types of intermolecular forces are London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, and hydrogen bonds. London dispersion forces are the weakest type of intermolecular force and are caused by temporary dipoles that occur due to the random movement of electrons. Dipole-dipole interactions occur between polar molecules and are stronger than London dispersion forces. Hydrogen bonds are the strongest type of intermolecular force and occur between molecules that have a hydrogen atom bonded to a highly electronegative atom such as nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine.

3. How do intermolecular forces affect the properties of substances?

Intermolecular forces play a crucial role in determining the physical properties of substances. These forces determine the strength of attraction between molecules, which in turn affects properties such as melting and boiling points, viscosity, and surface tension. Substances with stronger intermolecular forces will have higher melting and boiling points and will be more viscous and have higher surface tension.

4. What is the relationship between intermolecular forces and transport phenomena?

Intermolecular forces play a significant role in transport phenomena, which refers to the movement of molecules from one place to another. The strength of intermolecular forces affects the rate of diffusion, which is the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. Substances with stronger intermolecular forces will have slower rates of diffusion.

5. How do intermolecular forces affect the solubility of substances?

Intermolecular forces also play a role in the solubility of substances, which is the ability of a substance to dissolve in a solvent. Substances with similar intermolecular forces are more likely to be soluble in each other, while substances with different intermolecular forces may not be soluble. For example, polar substances are more likely to be soluble in polar solvents, while nonpolar substances are more likely to be soluble in nonpolar solvents.