Chapter 5, Problem 5.90P

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The rms speed of O₂ at STP should be calculated.

Concept Introduction :

The formula to calculate root mean square speed is represented as follows:

  $u_{rms}=\sqrt{\frac{3RT}{M}}$

Here,

  $\begin{array}{l}{u}_{rms}\text{ - Root mean square speed}\\ \text{R - Universal gas constant}\\ \text{T - temperature}\\ \text{M - molecular weight}\end{array}$

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Number of collisions per second should be calculated.

Concept Introduction :

Collision frequency is calculated as follows:

  $\nu =\frac{U_{rms}}{\lambda }$

  $\begin{array}{l}\nu \text{ - collision frequency}\\ U_{rms}\text{ - root mean square speed}\\ \lambda \text{ - mean free path (average distance travelled by a molecule before collision)}\end{array}$