Practice question
Question
A solid has a molar specific heat capacity of 25.5 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹. How many degrees of freedom per atom does it have? (R = 8.31 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹)
Explanation
**Kinetic theory mean free path** λ = 1/(√2 π d² n) quantifies collision frequency. With n =1.0×10²⁵ m⁻³, λ=9×10⁻⁷ m, d² =1/(1.414×10²⁵×3.14×9×10⁻⁷)=2.5×10⁻²⁰ m², d≈1.58×10⁻¹⁰ m, typical molecular size ~10⁻¹⁰ m, consistent with gas kinetic theory. C = f × (R)/(2), 25.5 = f × (8.31)/(2).f = (25.5 × 2)/(8.31) ≈ 6.14 ≈ 6. Substituting values gives 6, which matches expected kinetic theory result, confirming mean free path λ = 1/(√2 n π d²), ideal gas law P V = n R T and v_rms = √(3 R T/M) relations.
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