Question

What is meant by mean free path?

• A. It is the average distance a molecule travels without colliding
• B. Average distance between 2 molecules
• C. Average distance travelled by a molecule before colliding with a wall of the container
• D. Sum of distance travelled by all molecules

Hint:

The mean free path depends on the density of the molecules and the frequency of collisions, and it is used in understanding the behavior of gases.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding Mean Free Path
The mean free path is the average distance a molecule in a gas travels before colliding with another molecule.
This concept is important in kinetic theory of gases and describes the behavior of molecules in a gas.
Step 2: Why Other Options are Incorrect
Option (b) refers to the distance between two molecules, which is different from the mean free path.

Option (c) refers to the distance a molecule travels before colliding with the wall, which is not the definition of the mean free path.
Option (d) is incorrect because the sum of distances traveled by all molecules does not relate to the mean free path.

Step 3: Conclusion Thus, the mean free path is the average distance a molecule travels without colliding.