Velocity distribution curves general inquiry

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between the molar mass of gas components and their effect on average velocity in a mixture, specifically air composed of 78.08% N2, 20.95% O2, and 0.93% Ar. The equation speed = sqrt(3RT/Molar mass) is highlighted, emphasizing that average velocity decreases as the number of molecules increases. Participants clarify that average speed cannot be defined for a mixture without considering the proportions of each gas, which directly influence the overall molar mass and thus the average speed calculation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the ideal gas law and its components
  • Familiarity with the concept of molar mass
  • Basic knowledge of statistical mechanics
  • Experience with gas mixture calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the impact of gas composition on average molecular speed
  • Study the derivation and application of the equation speed = sqrt(3RT/Molar mass)
  • Explore the concept of root mean square speed in gas mixtures
  • Learn about the kinetic molecular theory and its implications for gas behavior
USEFUL FOR

Students in chemistry or physics, researchers studying gas dynamics, and professionals involved in atmospheric science or engineering applications related to gas mixtures.

mrjoe2
Messages
37
Reaction score
0
for a graph that has the velocity as the x-axis and the number of molecules as the y axis, i know that as the number of molecules increases, the average velocity will become lower and lower, but what if the molecules being tested are in relative amounts?


you have the equation speed = sqrt (3RT/Molar mass) depend on the MOLAR MASS of the molecule. so if you had air which is composed of 78.08% N2, 20.95 percent O2 and .93 percent Ar by volume. what does the percentages have to do with Molar mass? would i still just do my answer in terms of their molar masses or do i need to take into account their percentages?
my TA in u of t could not answer this question, i was hoping someone here could. thank you
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What are you trying to calculate - average speed of what? Air molecule? No such thing.
 
mrjoe2 said:
... i know that as the number of molecules increases, the average velocity will become lower and lower ...

I don't understand why this would be true.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K