Questions from Modern Physics

Q: In addition to the normal cooking directions printed on the back of

In addition to the normal cooking directions printed on the back of a box of rice, there are also “high-altitude directions.” The only difference is that the “high-altitude directions” suggest increas...

Q: The proportions of various gases in the earth’s atmosphere change somewhat with

The proportions of various gases in the earth’s atmosphere change somewhat with altitude. Would you expect the proportion of oxygen at high altitude to be greater or less than at sea level compared to...

Q: Comment on the following statement: When two gases are mixed,

Comment on the following statement: When two gases are mixed, if they are to be in thermal equilibrium, they must have the same average molecular speed. Is the statement correct? Why or why not?

Q: The kinetic-molecular model contains a hidden assumption about the temperature

The kinetic-molecular model contains a hidden assumption about the temperature of the container walls. What is this assumption? What would happen if this assumption were not valid?

Q: The temperature of an ideal gas is directly proportional to the average

The temperature of an ideal gas is directly proportional to the average kinetic energy of its molecules. If a container of ideal gas is moving past you at 2000 m/s, is the temperature of the gas highe...

Q: Imagine a special air filter placed in a window of a house

Imagine a special air filter placed in a window of a house. The tiny holes in the filter allow only air molecules moving faster than a certain speed to exit the house, and allow only air molecules mov...

Q: A gas storage tank has a small leak. The pressure in

A gas storage tank has a small leak. The pressure in the tank drops more quickly if the gas is hydrogen or helium than if it is oxygen. Why?

Q: In the ideal-gas equation, could an equivalent Celsius temperature

In the ideal-gas equation, could an equivalent Celsius temperature be used instead of the Kelvin one if an appropriate numerical value of the constant R is used? Why or why not?

Q: Two loudspeakers, A and B (Fig. E16.35

Two loudspeakers, A and B (Fig. E16.35), are driven by the same amplifier and emit sinusoidal waves in phase. Speaker B is 2.00 m to the right of speaker A. Consider point Q along the extension of the...

Q: If the root-mean-square speed of the atoms of

If the root-mean-square speed of the atoms of an ideal gas is to be doubled, by what factor must the Kelvin temperature of the gas be increased? Explain.