According to the kinetic theory of gases, the pressure exerted by a gas on the walls equals. 

Raphaelle

3 months ago

The correct option is C. Change in momentum imparted to the walls per unit area.

Explanation

In the kinetic theory of gases, pressure is defined as the force exerted by gas molecules per unit area of the container walls. According to Newton's Second Law, force is the rate of change of momentum. When a gas molecule of mass (m) and velocity (v)
undergoes an elastic collision with a wall, its velocity reverses (becomes - v) resulting in a change in momentum (delta mv) of the gases.
The total pressure is the sum of these changes in momentum for all molecules colliding with the wall over a specific time, divided by the surface area. While "rate of change" (Option D) relates to force, the term "rate" mathematically already implies "per unit time." Therefore, defining pressure as the "change in momentum imparted to the walls per unit area" accurately captures the physical mechanism of pressure in this context.

WHY OTHER OPTIONS ARE INCORRECT

A. Momentum imparted to the walls per unit area:

This is incorrect because pressure depends on the change in momentum during collisions, not just the absolute momentum of the particles.

B. Change in momentum per unit volume: This describes energy density or a related kinetic quantity, but pressure is specifically a surface effect measured per unit area, not volume.

D. Rate of change of momentum imparted to the walls per second per unit area: This is technically redundant. "Rate of change" already means change per second. Adding "per second" again makes the dimensions of the statement incorrect for pressure (it would result in Force / (Area × Time).

simiisagirl

3 months ago

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