Suppose an oxygen molecule traveling at this speed bounces back and forth between opposite sides of a cubical vessel 0.17 m on a side. What is the average force the molecule exerts on one of the walls of the container?

Question

Physics

Kristen Wilcox

15 March, 22:49

Suppose an oxygen molecule traveling at this speed bounces back and forth between opposite sides of a cubical vessel 0.17 m on a side. What is the average force the molecule exerts on one of the walls of the container?

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Answers (1)

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Singleton · Answer 1

Answer: The last part of the question has some details missing which is; (Assume that the molecule's velocity is perpendicular to the two sides that it strikes.) molecule v=482 m/s molecule momentum=2.56 x 10^ (-23)

Explanation:

The momentum of the molecule is 2.56 x 10^ (-23). Particle hits the wall and bounces. Momentum is reversed. Change in momentum = impulse This is Force x time. Momentum change happens at a wall after each trip.

time required = distance / speed

= 0.17 X 2 / (482 m/s)

Average force = impulse / time

= 2 x 482 x 2.56 x 10^ (-23) / (0.17 x 2)

= 7.76 x 10^20N, is the average force the molecule exerts on one of the walls of the container.