Principle
A kinetic gas theory apparatus is to be used as a model to simulate the motion of gas molecules and to determine their velocity by determining the distance that glass balls are thrown. The velocity distribution found is to be compared with the theoretical Maxwell-Boltzmann equation.
Tasks
1. Measure the velocity distribution of the “model gas”.
2. Compare the result to theoretical behaviour as described by the MAXWELL-BOLTZMANN distribution.
3. Discuss the results.
Fit the receiver with recording chamber to the apparatus as described in the operating instructions for the determination of particle velocities.
First determine the average weight of one glass ball by weighing out a known number of balls (e.g. 100) to avoid the time consuming counting of glass balls during the experiment.
Following this, determine the average number of glass balls expelled from the apparatus during 1 minute. To do this, fill the apparatus with 400 glass balls and set it to the following conditions:
— height of the upper piston: 6 cm
— oscillator frequency: 50 s-1 (controlled by the voltage and the stroboscope).
Now open the outlet for 1 minute and determine the number of balls expelled by weighing them. Refill the apparatus with these balls and repeat the experiment twice.
Prepare for the simulation experiment by calculating the average number of balls expelled per minute and filling this number of glass balls into each of four glass beakers. Make the following apparatus set- tings:
— height of the upper piston: 6 cm
— height difference between outlet and receiver: 8 cm — number of balls: 400
— oscillator frequency: 50 s-1.