The mean free path of a molecule is 2.25 × 10^-7 m in an ideal gas at standard temperature and pressure (0°C and 1 atm). What is the mean free path if the diameter of the molecule is doubled? A) 0.23 × 10^-7 m B) 0.45 × 10^-7m C) 0.56 × 10^-7m D) 0.75 × 10^-7m E) 1.13 × 10^-7 m

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The mean free path is inversely proportional to the diameter of the molecule. If the diameter is doubled, the mean free path will be halved. Therefore, the new mean free path will be:
2.25 × 10^-7 m / 2 = 1.125 × 10^-7 m = 0.56 × 10^-7 m
The closest option is C.

The Mean Free Path of a Molecule Is 2