What is the equation for calculating molecular flux for a gas?

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SUMMARY

The molecular flux of argon gas, with a molar mass of 18 g/mol and a density of 0.73 kg/m³ at a temperature of 300 K, is calculated to be 3.6×10²⁷ collisions/m²s. The equation for molecular flux is given by flux = 0.25 * (N/V) * √(8kT/(πm), where N/V represents the number density of molecules. To convert the mass density to number density, the molar mass must be converted to kg/mol, and Avogadro's number is used to find the mass of a single molecule.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of molecular flux and its significance in gas dynamics
  • Familiarity with the ideal gas law and basic thermodynamics
  • Knowledge of Avogadro's number and its application in molecular calculations
  • Ability to perform unit conversions, particularly between mass density and number density
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the molecular flux equation in statistical thermodynamics
  • Learn about the application of Avogadro's number in calculating molecular properties
  • Explore the relationship between temperature, density, and molecular motion in gases
  • Investigate the implications of molecular flux in real-world applications, such as diffusion and reaction kinetics
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Students studying physics or chemistry, researchers in thermodynamics, and professionals involved in gas dynamics or material science will benefit from this discussion.

Erubus
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Homework Statement


What is the molecular flux of argon gas, molar mass 18 g/mol, with density 0.73 kg/m3 and temperature 300 K? Answer: 3.6×10^27 collisions/m^2s

Homework Equations


I actually have no idea


The Attempt at a Solution


I can't find any reference to molecular flux in my notes or 2 physics textbooks, an equation would be appreciated.
 
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Thank you for the link. If I read it correctly, flux = .25*(N/V)*√(8kT/(\pim)

however, the density in the problem is given in kg/m^3 while the equation calls for the density based on the number of molecules, which is not given. It's probably an algebra problem now, but I'm also unsure with what to do with the given molar mass.
 
Erubus said:
Thank you for the link. If I read it correctly, flux = .25*(N/V)*√(8kT/(\pim)

however, the density in the problem is given in kg/m^3 while the equation calls for the density based on the number of molecules, which is not given. It's probably an algebra problem now, but I'm also unsure with what to do with the given molar mass.

It is easy to get the number density of molecules from the mass density and molar mass.
Molar mass is 18 g/mol=0.018 kg/mol. 1 mol gas contains NA (Avogadro Number) molecules, so the mass of a single molecule is 0.018/NA kg.
The mass density is 0.73 kg/m3, so the mass of 1 m3 gas is 0.73 kg. How many molecule is it ?

ehild
 
Thanks, I got it now.
 

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