Among the assumptions made in the kinetic theory of gases, is the one stating th

Question

Among the assumptions made in the kinetic theory of gases, is the one stating that atoms and molecules are very small and thus occupy only a negligible portion of the volume, under normal conditions of temperature and pressure. This can be illustrated by calculating the volume physically occupied by the air molecules in our classroom. In order to do this, we can take all individual air molecules (both nitrogen and oxygen) as being the equivalent of spheres with a diameter of 0.71 nm.

Calculate the volume physically occupied by air molecules in our classroom, under the same conditions as stated in question 1 above.

(Reminder : Avogadro’s number is : 6.022 x 1023 molecules/mol)

Explanation / Answer

Answer:

Diameter = 0.71 nm = 0.71*10-9 m

Thus volume occupied by gas = (d)3 = (0.71*10-9)3

= 35.7911*10-29 m3

Volume occupied by nitrogen = Percentage of nitrogen*Total volume of air

= (78*35.7911*10-29)

= (2791.7*10-29)

Volume occupied by oxygen = (Percentage of oxygen*Total volume of air)

= (21*35.7911*10-29)

= (751.61*10-29)

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