Physics · Momentum & Collisions · Kinetic Theory of Gases
Problem
A small particle of mass m moving inside a heavy, hollow and straight tube along the tube axis undergoes elastic collision at two ends. The tube has no friction and it is closed at one end by a flat surface while the other end is fitted with a heavy movable flat piston as shown in figure. When the distance of the piston from closed end is L = L₀ the particle speed is v = v₀. The piston is moved inward at a very low speed V such that V ≪ (dL/L)v₀, where dL is the infinitesimal displacement of the piston. Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?