Solving for Two Speeds of an Ideal Gas He at a Given Temperature

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding two speeds of an ideal gas (helium) at a specified temperature (328 K) that satisfy a given equation involving a function related to the Maxwell Speed Distribution. Participants are exploring the implications of the equation 2F(v) = F(v*), where v* represents the most probable speed.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the meaning of v* and the nature of the function F. Some are attempting to apply the Maxwell Speed Distribution but express uncertainty about the correct approach to solve the equation. There is discussion about the need to show work and clarify the expressions used in the calculations.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided insights into the Maxwell Speed Distribution and have calculated the most probable speed, but there is no consensus on how to proceed with solving the equation. Guidance has been offered to show work and clarify the expressions used, indicating a productive direction in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working with the assumption that the mass of helium and the constants involved in the calculations are known, but there is uncertainty regarding the integration and application of the Maxwell Speed Distribution in this context.

j2dabizo
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Homework Statement



For an ideal gas He at T = 328 K find the two speeds v that satisfy the equation 2F(v) = F(v*).

m/s (lower speed)
m/s (higher speed)


Which of the two speeds you found is farther from v*?
the lower speed or the upper speed

Explain this result.



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Not even sure here!
 
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What is v* supposed to represent? What kind of function is F?

AM
 


Again not really sure where to start here.

All the teacher told me was to use the Maxwell Speed Distrubution.

Any help will be greatly appreciated...I'm stuck.
 


Andrew Mason said:
What is v* supposed to represent? What kind of function is F?

AM

v* = most probable speed

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxwell–Boltzmann_distribution

I assume you use the maxwell speed distrtibution equation but for f(v) you but in f(v*) and solve the equation using v*. Then after you find the answer form f(v*) i guess you divide it by two to get the left side of the 2f(v)=f(v*) equation?

If so i am still not coming to the correct answer..please help
 
Last edited:


j2dabizo said:
v* = most probable speed

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxwell–Boltzmann_distribution

I assume you use the maxwell speed distrtibution equation but for f(v) you but in f(v*) and solve the equation using v*. Then after you find the answer form f(v*) i guess you divide it by two to get the left side of the 2f(v)=f(v*) equation?

If so i am still not coming to the correct answer..please help
It looks like you have the right idea. But we can't say for sure, and can't see what went wrong, if you don't show your work:
  • Show explicitly what f(v) is -- show the equation.
  • What is the equation and the value of v* that you used?
  • What value did you get for f(v*)?
  • Show how you got the answer you got, even though it is wrong.
If we don't see what you did, we can't help.
 


Ok..I went back to this problem and still pretty stumped!

the given is ideal gas He at temp= 328K

This is a maxwell speed distribution problem.

we need to give 2 values of v that are in m/s for the equation 2F(v)=F(v*)

The maxwell speed distribution equation is given as

F(v) dv = 4[itex]\Pi[/itex]Ce-1/2Bmv2dv

m=mass of He
v=velocity

C= (Bm/2[itex]\Pi[/itex])3/2

B(beta)= (kT)-1; with k(constant) = 1.38E-23J/K

we know v*= [itex]\sqrt{}2kT/m[/itex]; k is the constant from above; T is tempreture in K; m is mass of He

For He @ 328K, the v*(most probable speed) I calculated was 1167.34 m/s.

I have all this information and don't know how to solve...I am not sure where to go with this as I am not great with intergrals. If someone can get me to an equation that I can solve and a brief explanation of where I am going with this problem that would be a great help.

Thank you all for your time once again..physics forum has been a wonderful help.
 
Last edited:


j2dabizo said:
The maxwell speed distribution equation is given as

F(v) dv = 4[itex]\pi[/itex]Ce-1/2Bmv2dv

m=mass of He
v=velocity

C= (Bm/2[itex]\pi[/itex])3/2

B(beta)= (kT)-1; with k(constant) = 1.38E-23J/K

we know v*= [itex]\sqrt{}2kT/m[/itex]; k is the constant from above; T is tempreture in K; m is mass of He

For He @ 328K, the v*(most probable speed) I calculated was 1167.34 m/s.
Something is wrong, the f(v) expression you wrote should have another factor of v2 in it.

So, what is the value of f(v*)? And, what is one half of that value?
 

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