An Introduction to Thermal Physics · Problem 1.66

Energy in Thermal Physics — Daniel Schroeder

Physics — Statistical Mechanics · viscosity-ideal-gas

Problem

In analogy with the thermal conductivity, derive an approximate formula for the viscosity of an ideal gas in terms of its density, mean free path, and average thermal speed. Show explicitly that the viscosity is independent of pressure and proportional to the square root of the temperature. Evaluate your formula numerically for air at room temperature and compare to the experimental value quoted in the text.

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