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A nozzle throws a stream of gas against a wall with a velocity v much larger than the thermal agitation of the molecules. After collision of the molecules with wall  the magnitude of their velocity remains same. Also assume that the force exerted on the wall by the molecules is perpendicular to wall. (This is not strictly true for a rough wall.) Find the pressure exerted on the wall. ( n= number of molecules per unit volume, m=mass of a gas molecule )

PhysicsLaws of MotionJEE Main
Options:
  • A 2nmv2cos2θ
  • B 3nmv2cos2θ
  • C nmv2cos2θ
  • D 2nmv2sin2θ
Solution:
1260 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: 2nmv2cos2θ
Since, the molecules rebound from the wall, the component of velocity perpendicular to wall is reversed,  while its velocity parallel to wall does not change. The change in velocity of molecules is parallel to normal N. The magnitude of charge is

                          Δ v = 2 v cos θ

The change in momentum of a molecule is

                          Δ p = m Δ v

                           = 2 m v cos θ

in the direction of normal N. Let n be the number of molecules per unit volume.The number of molecules arriving at an area A of the wall per unit time is the number in a slanted cylinder whose length is equal to the velocity v and whose cross-section is A cos θ

       Number of molecules =nAv cos θ.

Each molecule suffers a change of momentum 2mv cos θ. Change of momentum of the stream of gas in a direction perpendicular to wall is equal to nAv cos θ×2mv cosθ=2 An mv2cos2θ.

Hence, force exerted by stream of gas on the wall.

                        F=2Anmv2cos2θ

This is also the force exerted by gas molecules on the wall.

                         Pressure = Normal force Area

                            =FA

                            =2nmv2cos2θ

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