Kinetic Energy Molecules Escaping Small Hole

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the kinetic energy of gas molecules escaping through a small hole in a container, specifically addressing a problem from "Physical Gas Dynamics" by Vincenti and Krieger. The key conclusion is that the mean kinetic energy of the escaping molecules is greater than that of the molecules inside the container, with a ratio of 4/3. The participant has successfully solved parts a and b of the problem but seeks assistance with part c, which involves deriving the kinetic energy of the escaping molecules using the flux equation and Maxwellian Velocity Distribution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinetic theory of gases
  • Familiarity with Maxwellian Velocity Distribution
  • Knowledge of flux equations in gas dynamics
  • Basic principles of thermodynamics, specifically the ideal gas law
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Maxwellian Velocity Distribution in detail
  • Learn about the application of the flux equation in gas dynamics
  • Explore the concept of mean kinetic energy in different gas states
  • Investigate the implications of molecular weight on kinetic energy ratios
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying gas dynamics, thermodynamics, or kinetic theory. This discussion is beneficial for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of molecular behavior in gases and the principles governing their escape through small openings.

TheAmorphist
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Homework Statement


"A perfect gas containing a single species of molecular weight M is in a container at equilibrium. Gas escapes into a vacuum through a small circular hole of Area A in the wall of the container. Assume wall container is negligibly thick and planer in vicinity to hole. The diameter of the hale is appreciably smaller than the mean free path, but larger than molecular diameter.
a. Show that the number of molecules escaping from the hole per unit area per unit time is given by nC/4.
b.Obtain an expression for the rate of mass outflow.
(What I actually need help on)c. Show that the mean kinetic energy of the escaping molecules if greater than that of the molecules inside the container in the ratio of 4/3.

Homework Equations


The flux equation of F=(Int)nf(Ci)QCnDVc, where f(Ci) is the Maxwellian Velocity Distribution, Q is some quantity (energy here) and integration is performed over the range of velocity space of interest.

The Attempt at a Solution



I have completed the nitty gritty of parts a and b, but simply cannot make any progress on part C. I'm assuming that the gas "within the container" have a mean kinetic energy of (3/2)KT, as they have 3 degrees of freedom. My attempt at finding the kinetic energy of those escaping the hole has consisted of integrating the flux equation a number of times to find a constant factor that resulted in a ratio of "4/3" but I feel like this is in inappropriate way to go about this. Any help or at least pointing me in the right direction would be really helpful.
 
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Any help? Anybody? This question is from "Physical Gas Dynamics" by Vincenti and Krieger
 
I'm reposting this in the "Advanced Physics" forum. That is probably where it belonged to begin with. Can a moderator delete this topic?
 

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