Practice question
Question
A solid has a molar specific heat capacity of 26.5 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹. How many degrees of freedom per atom does it have? (R = 8.31 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹)
Explanation
**Mean free path** λ = 1/(√2 n π d²) is average distance molecule travels between collisions, n number density (m⁻³), d molecular diameter (m), π≈3.14. Inversely proportional to n and d², larger n or d reduces λ. Rearranged d² = 1/(√2 n π λ), so d = √(1/(√2 n π λ)), enabling diameter estimation from measured λ and n. C = f × (R)/(2), 26.5 = f × (8.31)/(2).f = (26.5 × 2)/(8.31) ≈ 6.38 ≈ 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
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