Chapter 1, Problem 1B.5E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Pressure at which the mean free path of argon at $25°\text{C}$ become comparable to the diameter of a $\text{1}\text{.0}{\text{dm}}^{\text{3}}$ vessel that contains it, has to be calculated.

Concept introduction:

The average distance travelled by a molecule between the collisions is called the mean free path.  The mean free path is calculated by the formula,

    $\text{λ=}\frac{\text{kT}}{\text{σp}}$

    $\boxed{\begin{array}{l}\text{where,}\\ \text{λ}\text{=}\text{mean}\text{free}\text{path}\\ \text{P}\text{=}\text{Pressure}\\ \text{σ}\text{=}collisioncross-\sec tionofthemolecules\\ \text{T}\text{=}\text{Temperature}\end{array}}$