Problems are listed in approximate order of difficulty. A single dot (•) indicates straightforward problems involving just one main concept and sometimes requiring no more than substitution of numbers in the appropriate formula. Two dots (••) identify problems that are slightly more challenging and usually involve more than one concept. Three dots (•••) indicate problems that are distinctly more challenging, either because they are intrinsically difficult or involve lengthy calculations. Needless to say, these distinctions are hard to draw and are only approximate.
•• (Section 15.8) The temperature of the uppermost reaches of the earth’s atmosphere, called the thermosphere, is approximately 600 K during the day (the high temperature is due to efficient absorption of solar radiation). (a) At 600 K, what fraction of hydrogen molecules have thermal speeds greater than the earth’s escape velocity? (b) What fraction of the hydrogen molecules have speeds greater than the escape velocity at room temperature, about 300 K? [Hint: You need the computer to do the required integration.]
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