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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the molecular flux of argon gas, focusing on its properties such as molar mass, density, and temperature. The original poster seeks clarification on the relevant equation for molecular flux.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the definition of molecular flux and its relation to the number of molecules striking a surface over time. Questions arise regarding the conversion of density from kg/m³ to a number density of molecules, as well as the role of molar mass in this context.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided links to external resources for further reading. There is an ongoing exploration of how to derive the necessary parameters for the equation, with one participant expressing uncertainty about the algebra involved in the calculations.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights a potential gap in the original poster's notes regarding molecular flux, and the need to reconcile different units of density in the equations being considered.

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/([itex]\pi[/itex]m)

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/([itex]\pi[/itex]m)

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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