Created By : Vaibhavi Kumari

Reviewed By : Rajashekhar Valipishetty

Last Updated : May 17, 2023


Calculate the mean free path of a particle with a specified dimension using the simple Mean Free Path Calculator tool. Simply enter the data and press the calculate button to get a quick result.

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Particle diameter:
Pressure:
Temperature :

What is Mean Free Path?

The mean free path is the average distance travelled by a molecule between collisions. The criterion is used to determine the existence of one molecule within the collision tube. The following is the mean free path of particles in a gas equation λ = k * T / (√2 * π * d² * p)

  • Where, λ = mean free path
  • k = Boltzmann constant (k = 1.380649 x 10-23 J/K)
  • T = temperature of the gas
  • d = diameter of the particle
  • p = pressure of the gas

To do appropriate computations, the mean free path formula requires atomic diameter. The following are the radii and diameters of the atoms of certain gases

Element Atomic radius (pm) Atomic diameter (pm)
Hydrogen [H] 120 240
Helium [He] 140 280
Nitrogen [N] 155 310
Oxygen [O] 152 304
Fluorine [F] 147 294
Neon [Ne] 154 308
Chlorine [Cl] 175 350
Argon [Ar] 188 376
Krypton [Kr] 202 404
Xenon [Xe] 216 432
Radon [Rn] 220 440

How do you Calculate the Mean Free Path?

To calculate an atom's mean free path, follow the steps below. By following the steps outlined above, you will be able to find the answer quickly.

  • Step 1: Get the diameter, pressure, and temperature of the particles.
  • Step 2: Multiply the pressure by the square of the diameter.
  • Step 3: Multiply the result by √2π.
  • Step 4: Calculate the temperature-Boltzmann constant product.
  • Step 5: To determine the mean free path value, divide the resulting product by the result from step III.

For more concepts check out physicscalculatorpro.com to get quick answers by using this free tool.

FAQs on Mean Free Path Calculator

1. What factors influence the mean free path?

The density of the molecule, the number of molecules, the diameter of the molecule, pressure, temperature, and other physical parameters all affect the mean free path.


2. What effect does temperature have on the mean free path?

According to the kinetic theory of gases, as the temperature rises, molecules move faster. The mean free path (distance) remains constant as the mean collision time falls. As a result, the temperature has no effect on the mean free path.


3. What is the formula for calculating the mean free path?

The average distance between two consecutive collisions is known as the mean free path. The mean free path is calculated using the equation = λ = kT/(√2πd²p). Calculate the mean free path of a molecule by substituting the values.


4. What is the use of the mean free path?

The mean free path is utilised in a variety of fields, including electronics to characterise electrical mobility, radiography to determine material thickness, nuclear physics, astronomy, optics, and many others.


5. What factors affect the mean free path?

The molecule's radius is: As the molecule's radius grows, the distance between molecules shrinks, increasing the number of collisions and decreasing the mean free path. The density of the gas is affected by pressure, temperature, and other physical parameters, which affects the mean free path.


6. In the kinetic theory of gases, what is the mean free path?

The mean free path of a particle, such as a molecule, in the kinetic theory of gases, is the average distance the particle travels between collisions with other moving particles.


7. What does free path of molecules mean?

The average distance travelled by a moving particle (such as an atom, a molecule, or a photon) between successive collisions that change its orientation is known as the mean free path.