Thermal Physics - NEET Physics Questions
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Thermal Physics

Question 421: moderate

The mean free path of molecules of a gas, (radius $r$) is inversely proportional to: (2014)

1. $r^3$
2. $r^2$
3. $r$
4. $\sqrt{r}$
View Answer

The mean free path is given by $\lambda = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}\pi n d^2}$. Since molecular diameter $d = 2r$, we have $\lambda \propto \frac{1}{d^2} \propto \frac{1}{r^2}$. Therefore, it is inversely proportional to $r^2$.