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jameson2
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Homework Statement
Estimate the mean free path of an electron in mercury vapour at a temperature of 160 degrees C, where the vapour pressure is 11.28 mmHg
It gives the standard atmospheric pressure as 761.84 mmHg.
Homework Equations
Mean free path= (Boltzmann's constant times temperature)/(sqrt(2)*pi*(d^2)*p)
where d is the diameter of the molecule and p is the pressure.
The Attempt at a Solution
I have: Boltzmann's constant= 1.38x10^-23
T=273+160=433K
d=302x10^-12 metres
p=(11.28/761.84)*101325 Pa
(I think these are all the right units to use)
So I fill these into the formula and get 9.834x10^-6 m as my value for mean free path. I have nothing to compare this to, so I have no idea whether this is right or way off the mark.