Mean free path in units g/cm^2

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the interpretation of mean free path expressed in units of g/cm². Participants clarify that this unit represents a density rather than a traditional distance, as it combines centimeters with grams per cubic centimeter (cm x g/cm³). The concept of mean free path involves averaging distances over numerous particles, which supports the use of density units in certain contexts. This interpretation aligns with the physical understanding of mean free path in statistical mechanics.

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Hello. I have just read a mean free path (a distance) written in units g/cm^2. How do you interpret this unit in terms of the usual idea of the mean free path as a distance?
 
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It looks more like a mean free path density than strictly a mean free path: (cm)x(g/cm^3). This would make sense because finding the mean involves averaging over many objects.
 

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