calculate the mean free path

Elements Of Electromagnetics
7th Edition
ISBN:9780190698614
Author:Sadiku, Matthew N. O.
Publisher:Sadiku, Matthew N. O.
ChapterMA: Math Assessment
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1.1MA
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Listed below are the pressures and temperatures of the Earth's upper atmosphere at four different altitudes. Assuming for simplicity that air consists entirely of nitrogen, calculate the mean free path (in m) at each of these conditions.

| Altitude (km) | Pressure (Torr) | Temperature (K) |
|---------------|-----------------|-----------------|
| 20            | 42              | 220             |
| 40            | 2.4             | 260             |
| 80            | 9.75×10⁻³       | 180             |
| 150           | 2×10⁻⁶          | 500             |
Transcribed Image Text:Listed below are the pressures and temperatures of the Earth's upper atmosphere at four different altitudes. Assuming for simplicity that air consists entirely of nitrogen, calculate the mean free path (in m) at each of these conditions. | Altitude (km) | Pressure (Torr) | Temperature (K) | |---------------|-----------------|-----------------| | 20 | 42 | 220 | | 40 | 2.4 | 260 | | 80 | 9.75×10⁻³ | 180 | | 150 | 2×10⁻⁶ | 500 |
Expert Solution
Step 1: Write the general expression for mean free path.

Write the general expression for mean free path.

lambda equals fraction numerator R T over denominator square root of 2 pi d squared N subscript A P end fraction


R is nitrogen gas constant.

d is the diameter of notrogen molecule.

 N_A is Avagadro number

 P is the air pressure 

T is air temperature.

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