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Description
This programme is a general introduction to the kinetic theory of gases, making extensive use of large-scale models of molecules. John Walters introduces the programme with a look at the gas equat...ion PV = nrtT and the assumptions of kinetic theory. Keith Hodgkinson then shews us a mechanical analogue: elastically colliding pucks on an air table. He uses a "piston" to give us a fixed "volume" and shows that an increase in "T" leads to an increase in "V". He then shows us (electronically) the "random walk" of a single puck. John then uses a few frames of the pucks to build up the Maxwell-Boltzman distribution of velocities, shows us random motion of smoke particles viewed through a microscope, and describes Zartman's experiment to measure the distribution of speeds. Keith considers whether kinetic theory might be extended to liquids, and models evaporation as if it were a kinetic phenomenon. With the help of a model, John discusses evaporation in more detail, and then goes on to the importance of root mean square velocity, its molecular mass dependence, and diffusion. Keith shows us diffusion through a porous barrier, and John describes its application in purifying uranium.
This programme is a general introduction to the kinetic theory of gases, making extensive use of large-scale models of molecules. John Walters introduces the programme with a look at the gas equat...ion PV = nrtT and the assumptions of kinetic theory. Keith Hodgkinson then shews us a mechanical analogue: elastically colliding pucks on an air table. He uses a "piston" to give us a fixed "volume" and shows that an increase in "T" leads to an increase in "V". He then shows us (electronically) the "random walk" of a single puck. John then uses a few frames of the pucks to build up the Maxwell-Boltzman distribution of velocities, shows us random motion of smoke particles viewed through a microscope, and describes Zartman's experiment to measure the distribution of speeds. Keith considers whether kinetic theory might be extended to liquids, and models evaporation as if it were a kinetic phenomenon. With the help of a model, John discusses evaporation in more detail, and then goes on to the importance of root mean square velocity, its molecular mass dependence, and diffusion. Keith shows us diffusion through a porous barrier, and John describes its application in purifying uranium.
| Module code and title: | S271, Discovering physics |
|---|---|
| Item code: | S271; 13 |
| First transmission date: | 21-07-1982 |
| Published: | 1982 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:23:00 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Nick Brenton |
| Contributors: | Keith Hodgkinson; John Walters |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Brownian motion; Kinetic theory of gases; Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution of velocities; Models of molecules; Uranium purification; Zartman's experiment |
| Master spool number: | HOU3847 |
| Production number: | FOUS236R |
| Videofinder number: | 1792 |
| Available to public: | no |
