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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

Q5(b)(ii). Time to form half a monolayer at 2.0 × 10⁻¹¹ torr

Question

How long will it take for about one-half of a monolayer to form on the surface if the surface is exposed to a pressure of 2.0 × 10⁻¹¹ torr? Assume that monolayer formation needs an exposure of 1 Langmuir. Also give the reason for using such a low pressure in cleaning the surface.

Answer in brief

t = 0.5 × 10⁻⁶ torr s / 2.0 × 10⁻¹¹ torr = 2.5 × 10⁴ s, about 6.9 hours.

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CoversLangmuir exposuremonolayerultra-high vacuumsurface collision rateadsorption