i think because you need the velcity associated with kinetic energy of the gas which is the v(rms)
Q.Find the minimum radius of a planet of density rho temperature T which can retain oxygen in it's atmosphere.The mass of oxygen is M and the acceleration due to gravity is g m/s^2.
Ans-:sqrt[(9RT)/8*G*m*rho*pie]
here i get the ans if i do
V( escape)> V(rms) ,
my doubt is
why do i not do
V(esc) > V(avg)
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6 Answers
Anirudh Kumar
·2011-01-11 06:24:18
Subhomoy Bakshi
·2011-01-11 13:02:17
equate energies at surface and at infinity..:)
that will do the sum! :)
Vivek @ Born this Way
·2012-04-05 03:17:30
Revive! I need a solution. Swaraj or Aditya or anyone. Help!
Swaraj Dalmia
·2012-04-05 03:35:49
Average KE at surface=(3/2)RT
PE at surface=-GmÏ*4/3Ï€R3/R
Now simply equate energy at surface and infinity.
Aditya Bhutra
·2012-04-05 05:57:11
total KE = 1/2*m*v12 + 1/2*m*v22 + .... + 1/2*m*vn2
= 1/2 * (nm) * (v12 + v22+......+vn2)n
= 1/2* (M)*vrms 2
hence you cannot use vavg