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⚛️ Physics  ·  Kinetic Theory  ·  NEET & JEE

The mean free path of gas molecules is inversely proportional to which factor (for fixed temperature)?

Answer: Number density of molecules.

  • A Square root of temperature
  • B Number density of molecules
  • C Square root of molar mass
  • D Gas constant

Correct answer: B. Number density of molecules

Explanation: λ = 1/(√2·n·π·d²), so mean free path decreases as the number density n of molecules increases (e.g., at higher pressure).

Maxwell-Boltzmann Speed Distributionspeed (v)fraction of moleculesv_pv_avgv_rmsv_p < v_avg < v_rms always, for any gas at any temperature

Not all gas molecules move at the same speed - the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution shows the spread, with the most probable speed vp slightly less than the average vavg, which is slightly less than the root-mean-square speed vrms used in the pressure formula.

Concept context

Kinetic theory of gases connects molecular motion to pressure and temperature, explaining gas laws, specific heats, and molecular speeds.

Read the full Kinetic Theory notes →