Statistical Physics: Pressure Diff. in Moving Cylinder

[j93]

Homework Statement

A spaceship that is cylindrical of area A and Length L decelerates at a constant rate a. The air treated. What is the difference in pressure due to the motion from the front to the back of the ship. The acceleration is parallel to L and air was in thermal equilibrium.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I believe intuitively there should be a factor e^{E/kT} where E=W=Fx=max. I think I might need to calculate the partition function but it might not be necessary like when calculating V_{rms} in passive circuit.

 

[genneth]

Your feeling is correct. Just remember that the density of the air will also scale that way, but you need to conserve mass/number.

 

[Lojzek]

Do you need statistical physics here? Why not use dp=ro*g*dh?