Most probable speed
Physics and electronics discussion, revision, exam and homework help.
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Most probable speed
For a Nitrogen molecule I'm using the equation:
sqrt(2KbT/m)
The temp is at 500k and the boltzmann constant is obviously a constant value but I'm not sure what the m is, is it the molar mass in kg (if so I get a ridiculously small value for the speed) or is it the mass of one particle of N2 so 28 x10^-3 x (avogadro's constant) ??? But then I get a really big value which seems too large to be true
EDIT: Also have a question about calculating the rms speed of free electrons in the sun's atmosphere. Though it gives me a value for the pressure so can I not just use the Vrms equation = sqrt(3KbT/m)???
Thanks
DanLast edited by danhirons; 28-12-2010 at 22:22. -
Re: Most probable speed
It is the mass of one nitrogen molecule. This can be approximated to 28amu ( total number of protons and neutrons x the atomic mass unit (~ 1.66x10^-27kg)).
It should be rather large
, they do move fairly quick!
As for your edit I think the problem with using that equation lies with knowing the temperature, which I suspect you're not given. Do you know a relation between pressure and temperature?
Last edited by Morgan141; 29-12-2010 at 16:44.

, they do move fairly quick!