Past exam of the physics B course of the University of Cambridge / 2013 / Paper 2 / Section C / C10

For speed distribution $f(v)$ normalized to one and isotropic directions, the incident number flux isThe positive normal velocity weights the population reaching the wall. Consequently its mean translational energy isThe bulk value $3k_{B}T/2$ would omit the arrival weighting.

For the two vessels, let $r=\sqrt{T_1/T_0}$, with subscripts h and c for hot and cold. Equal opposing effusion rates give $p_h/\sqrt{T_1}=p_c/\sqrt{T_0}$. Number conservation in equal, fixed volumes adds $p_h/T_1+p_c/T_0=2p_0/T_0$. HenceBoth final pressures must be determined; holding the cold temperature fixed does not hold its particle number fixed.

For aperture area $A_h=\pi d^2/4$, the common one-way flux is $J=p_c/\sqrt{2\pi m{k}_B{T}_0}$. The translational heat transfer from hot to cold is thereforeThis is the total heat transfer for a monatomic gas with no active internal modes, neglecting radiation and conduction through vessel walls. For a molecular gas, add $A_{h}J[u_{\mathrm{int}}(T_1)-u_{\mathrm{int}}(T_0)]$ for its internal energy per molecule. The maintained unequal temperatures describe a stationary nonequilibrium state even though the net particle current is zero.