Question

By counting squares in the following figure, estimate the fraction of argon atoms at T=300K that have speeds between 600 m/s and 700 m/s. The curve is correctly normalized. The value of a square is its length as measured on the x-axis times its height as measured on the y-axis, with the units given on those axes.

a) 0.05
b) 0.10
c) 0.15
d) 0.20

Answer 1

The fraction of argon atoms with speeds between 600 m/s and 700 m/s is estimated by counting squares, resulting in a fraction of 15/100, or 0.15. The correct answer is (c) 0.15.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the given figure, the area under the curve represents the total fraction of argon atoms. To estimate the fraction of argon atoms with speeds between 600 m/s and 700 m/s, we need to count the squares within this speed range. By counting the squares, we find that there are 15 squares in this range. Each square represents a fraction of the total, and since the curve is correctly normalized, each square is equivalent.

Now, the total number of squares in the figure is 100 (10 squares along the x-axis multiplied by 10 squares along the y-axis). Therefore, the fraction of argon atoms with speeds between 600 m/s and 700 m/s is 15/100, which simplifies to 0.15.

In conclusion, by counting the squares and considering the correct normalization of the curve, we determine that the fraction of argon atoms at T=300K with speeds between 600 m/s and 700 m/s is 0.15, making the correct answer (c) 0.15.

The correct answer is (c) 0.15.