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UPSC Civil Services (Mains)

Chemistry optional

  • 2 papers
  • 250 marks each
  • 3 h per paper
  • 5 of 8 questions, Q1 and Q5 compulsory

Paper I covers physical and inorganic chemistry.

UPSC Civil Services (Mains), Chemistry optional · 2024 · Paper I

Q3(a)(i). Viscosity of air at 298 K and at 0 K

Question

Calculate the coefficient of viscosity of air at temperatures: (I) 298 K and (II) 0 K. Assume that the collision cross-section (πσ²) of air is 0.28 nm² and the average molar mass of air is 29 g mol⁻¹.

Answer in brief

η = 1.89 × 10⁻⁵ kg m⁻¹ s⁻¹ at 298 K, and η = 0 at 0 K.

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Coversviscosity of gaseskinetic theory of gasescollision cross-sectionmean free pathmean speed