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⚛️ Physics  ·  Kinetic Theory  ·  NEET & JEE

The mean free path of the molecules of a gas kept in a rigid closed container is λ. If the absolute temperature is doubled while the volume stays fixed, the mean free path:

Answer: remains unchanged.

  • A doubles
  • B halves
  • C becomes four times
  • D remains unchanged

Correct answer: D. remains unchanged

Explanation: Mean free path depends only on number density (&lambda; = 1/&radic;2 &pi;d<sup>2</sup>n). Fixed volume means fixed n, so &lambda; is unchanged.

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 →