Rate of displacement of individual gas molecule help

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the mean time it takes for an individual air molecule to be displaced one meter from its original location, considering a mean free path of 68 nm at ambient pressure. Participants suggest that understanding random walks and diffusion principles can provide a good approximation for this calculation. The consensus is that while precise values are not necessary, diffusion offers a reliable framework for estimating displacement times in gas molecules.

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  • Understanding of mean free path in gases
  • Knowledge of random walk theory
  • Familiarity with diffusion processes
  • Basic principles of kinetic molecular theory
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  • Research the mathematical models of random walks
  • Study diffusion equations and their applications
  • Explore the kinetic theory of gases and its implications
  • Investigate the relationship between mean free path and molecular speed
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Students and professionals in chemistry, physics, and engineering fields, particularly those interested in molecular behavior and gas dynamics.

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Has anyone made a calculation for example, how much (or the mean) time it takes for an individual gas molecule to be displaced a distance of one meter (measured straight) from its original location?

For example, air molecule at ambient pressure with a mean free path of 68 nm. That would be an incredible amount of collisions before it reaches 1 meter from its initial location.

I can't find any such info in google and I'm not in the field of chemistry.

Could anyone give me a mean figure, appreciate it!
 
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Read up on random walks and diffusion. These topics should give you some idea of how to make that calculation.
 
Thank you, well, I don't actually need a 'precise' value of the mean.

If you're saying that diffusion gives a good approximation of the speed, then that is good enough for me.
 

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