Chapter 3, Problem 3.11E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Ratio of number of molecules in gas with speed ten times as great as root mean square speed to number with speed equal to root mean square speed has to be determined. Also, whether this ratio is independent of temperature or not has to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

Maxwell distribution curve shows the different fraction of gas molecules moves at different speeds. It also shows that heavy molecules have slow speed while lighter molecules have faster speeds. The formula to calculate faction of gas molecules with given speed $\left(v\right)$ at any instant of time is as follows:

  $f\left(v\right)=4\text{π}{\left(\frac{M}{2\text{π}RT}\right)}^{\text{3/2}}{v}^2{e}^{-M{v}^2\text{/2RT}}$