6.2.4
Ideal Gases 2
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Work Done on an Ideal Gas
You can find out the work done on an object by multiplying the average force by the displacement of the object moved in the direction of the force.

Substitute pressure
- Since P = F/A, where A is the cross-sectional area of the piston, you can substitute this into the expression for work done.
- W = force × distance travelled (where the distance travelled = the distance the force pushes in the piston).
- Work done on the gas = P × A × Δx assuming the pressure in the piston is constant.

Derive equation
- A × Δx = the change in volume of the gas, ΔV.
- The work done by an expanding gas which experiences a change in volume ΔV, is given by W = p × ΔV.
- This is more likely to be shown on any formula sheet as W = p ΔV.
Molecular Mass
As chemicals and atoms are so small, it is often more useful to use other measures of mass rather than kilograms.

Avogadro's number
- Avogadro’s number, NA, is the number of particles in 1 mole of any given substance.
- E.g. 1 mole of helium atoms is a collection of 6.02 ×1023 atoms, because Avagodro’s number is defined to be 6.02 ×1023.
 3.2.1.1- mass, moles, Mr, equation triangle,h_400,q_80,w_640.png)
Relative molecular mass
- You can calculate the relative molecular mass (RMM) of a molecule by adding the relative atomic masses (RAM) of all of the atoms in that molecule.
- E.g. The hydrogen atom has a RAM of 1 and the oxygen atom has a RAM of 16. So, the RMM of water (H2O) is given by (2 × 1) + 16 = 18.

Molecular mass
- You can find the molecular mass by multiplying the RMM of a molecule by the atomic mass unit, u.
- 1 u = 1.66 × 10-27 kg

Molar mass
- You can find the molar mass of a given molecule really easily.
- If the RMM of a molecule is X, then the mass of a mole of that molecule is X grams.
- Water has an RMM of 18, so 1 mole of water has a mass of 18g.
- This is most useful in gas law calculations because measuring the mass of a gas can be experimentally tricky.
1Measurements & Errors
1.1Measurements & Errors
1.1.1SI Base Units1.1.2Combining SI Units1.1.3Prefixes of Units1.1.4Standard Form1.1.5Converting Units1.1.6End of Topic Test - Units & Prefixes1.1.7Limitation of Physical Measurements1.1.8Uncertainty1.1.9Estimation1.1.10End of Topic Test - Measurements & Errors1.1.11Diagnostic Misconceptions - Converting between SI1.1.12Diagnostic Misconceptions - SI & Area/Volume
2Particles & Radiation
2.1Particles
2.1.1Atomic Model2.1.2Specific Charge, Protons & Neutron Numbers2.1.3End of Topic Test - Atomic Model2.1.4Isotopes2.1.5Stable & Unstable Nuclei2.1.6End of Topic Test - Isotopes & Nuclei2.1.7A-A* (AO3/4) - Stable & Unstable Nuclei2.1.8Particles, Antiparticles & Photons2.1.9Particle Interactions2.1.10Classification of Particles2.1.11End of Topic Test - Particles & Interactions2.1.12Quarks & Antiquarks2.1.13Application of Conservation Laws2.1.14End of Topic Test - Leptons & Quarks2.1.15Exam-Style Question - Radioactive Decay
2.2Electromagnetic Radiation & Quantum Phenomena
2.2.1The Photoelectric Effect2.2.2The Photoelectric Effect Explanation2.2.3End of Topic Test - The Photoelectric Effect2.2.4Collisions of Electrons with Atoms2.2.5Energy Levels & Photon Emission2.2.6Wave-Particle Duality2.2.7End of Topic Test - Absorption & Emission2.2.8Diagnostic Misconceptions - Electron Volts2.2.9Diagnostic Misconceptions - Converting eV & Joules
3Waves
3.1Progressive & Stationary Waves
3.2Refraction, Diffraction & Interference
4Mechanics & Materials
4.1Force, Energy & Momentum
4.1.1Scalars & Vectors4.1.2Vector Problems4.1.3End of Topic Test - Scalars & Vectors4.1.4Moments4.1.5Centre of Mass4.1.6End of Topic Test - Moments & Centre of Mass4.1.7Motion in a Straight Line4.1.8Graphs of Motion4.1.9Bouncing Ball Example4.1.10End of Topic Test - Motion in a Straight Line4.1.11Acceleration Due to Gravity4.1.12Projectile Motion4.1.13Friction4.1.14Terminal Speed4.1.15End of Topic Test - Acceleration Due to Gravity4.1.16Newton's Laws4.1.17Momentum4.1.18Momentum 24.1.19End of Topic Test - Newton's Laws & Momentum4.1.20A-A* (AO3/4) - Newton's Third Law4.1.21Work & Energy4.1.22Power & Efficiency4.1.23Conservation of Energy4.1.24End of Topic Test - Work, Energy & Power4.1.25Exam-Style Question - Forces4.1.26Diagnostic Misconceptions - Perpendicular Vectors4.1.27Diagnostic Misconceptions - Weight Acts Downwards4.1.28Diagnostic Misconceptions - Acceleration Direction4.1.29Diagnostic Misconceptions - Stationary Objects4.1.30Diagnostic Misconceptions - Action & Reaction4.1.31Diagnostic Misconceptions - RF Direction4.1.32Diagnostic Misconceptions - RF Acceleration4.1.33Diagnostic Misconceptions - Change in Momentum
5Electricity
5.1Current Electricity
5.1.1Basics of Electricity5.1.2Current-Voltage Characteristics5.1.3End of Topic Test - Basics of Electricity5.1.4Resistivity5.1.5Superconductivity5.1.6A-A* (AO3/4) - Superconductivity5.1.7End of Topic Test - Resistivity & Superconductors5.1.8Circuits5.1.9Power and Conservation5.1.10Potential Divider5.1.11Emf & Internal Resistance5.1.12End of Topic Test - Power & Potential5.1.13Exam-Style Question - Resistance5.1.14Diagnostic Misconceptions - Constant Current5.1.15Diagnostic Misconceptions - Potential Difference
6Further Mechanics & Thermal Physics (A2 only)
6.1Periodic Motion (A2 only)
6.2Thermal Physics (A2 only)
6.2.1Thermal Energy Transfer6.2.2Thermal Energy Transfer Experiments6.2.3Ideal Gases6.2.4Ideal Gases 26.2.5Boyle's Law & Charles' Law6.2.6Molecular Kinetic Theory Model6.2.7Molecular Kinetic Theory Model 26.2.8End of Topic Test - Thermal Energy & Ideal Gases6.2.9Exam-Style Question - Ideal Gases6.2.10Diagnostic Misconceptions - Material & Mass6.2.11Diagnostic Misconceptions - No Energy
7Fields & Their Consequences (A2 only)
7.1Fields (A2 only)
7.2Gravitational Fields (A2 only)
7.3Electric Fields (A2 only)
7.4Capacitance (A2 only)
7.5Magnetic Fields (A2 only)
7.5.1Magnetic Flux Density7.5.2End of Topic Test - Capacitance & Flux Density7.5.3Moving Charges in a Magnetic Field7.5.4Magnetic Flux & Flux Linkage7.5.5Electromagnetic Induction7.5.6Electromagnetic Induction 27.5.7Alternating Currents7.5.8Operation of a Transformer7.5.9Magnetic Flux Density7.5.10End of Topic Test - Electromagnetic Induction
8Nuclear Physics (A2 only)
8.1Radioactivity (A2 only)
8.1.1Rutherford Scattering8.1.2Alpha & Beta Radiation8.1.3Gamma Radiation8.1.4Radioactive Decay8.1.5Half Life8.1.6End of Topic Test - Radioactivity8.1.7Nuclear Instability8.1.8Nuclear Radius8.1.9Mass & Energy8.1.10Binding Energy8.1.11Induced Fission8.1.12Safety Aspects of Nuclear Reactors8.1.13End of Topic Test - Nuclear Physics8.1.14A-A* (AO3/4) - Nuclear Fusion
9Option: Astrophysics (A2 only)
9.1Telescopes (A2 only)
9.2Classification of Stars (A2 only)
9.3Cosmology (A2 only)
10Option: Medical Physics (A2 only)
10.1Physics of the Eye (A2 only)
10.2Physics of the Ear (A2 only)
10.3Biological Measurement (A2 only)
10.4Non-Ionising Imaging (A2 only)
10.5X-Ray Imaging (A2 only)
10.6Radionuclide Imaging & Therapy (A2 only)
11Option: Engineering Physics (A2 only)
11.1Rotational Dynamics (A2 only)
11.2Thermodynamics & Engines (A2 only)
12Option: Turning Points in Physics (A2 only)
12.1Discovery of the Electron (A2 only)
12.2Wave-Particle Duality (A2 only)
Jump to other topics
1Measurements & Errors
1.1Measurements & Errors
1.1.1SI Base Units1.1.2Combining SI Units1.1.3Prefixes of Units1.1.4Standard Form1.1.5Converting Units1.1.6End of Topic Test - Units & Prefixes1.1.7Limitation of Physical Measurements1.1.8Uncertainty1.1.9Estimation1.1.10End of Topic Test - Measurements & Errors1.1.11Diagnostic Misconceptions - Converting between SI1.1.12Diagnostic Misconceptions - SI & Area/Volume
2Particles & Radiation
2.1Particles
2.1.1Atomic Model2.1.2Specific Charge, Protons & Neutron Numbers2.1.3End of Topic Test - Atomic Model2.1.4Isotopes2.1.5Stable & Unstable Nuclei2.1.6End of Topic Test - Isotopes & Nuclei2.1.7A-A* (AO3/4) - Stable & Unstable Nuclei2.1.8Particles, Antiparticles & Photons2.1.9Particle Interactions2.1.10Classification of Particles2.1.11End of Topic Test - Particles & Interactions2.1.12Quarks & Antiquarks2.1.13Application of Conservation Laws2.1.14End of Topic Test - Leptons & Quarks2.1.15Exam-Style Question - Radioactive Decay
2.2Electromagnetic Radiation & Quantum Phenomena
2.2.1The Photoelectric Effect2.2.2The Photoelectric Effect Explanation2.2.3End of Topic Test - The Photoelectric Effect2.2.4Collisions of Electrons with Atoms2.2.5Energy Levels & Photon Emission2.2.6Wave-Particle Duality2.2.7End of Topic Test - Absorption & Emission2.2.8Diagnostic Misconceptions - Electron Volts2.2.9Diagnostic Misconceptions - Converting eV & Joules
3Waves
3.1Progressive & Stationary Waves
3.2Refraction, Diffraction & Interference
4Mechanics & Materials
4.1Force, Energy & Momentum
4.1.1Scalars & Vectors4.1.2Vector Problems4.1.3End of Topic Test - Scalars & Vectors4.1.4Moments4.1.5Centre of Mass4.1.6End of Topic Test - Moments & Centre of Mass4.1.7Motion in a Straight Line4.1.8Graphs of Motion4.1.9Bouncing Ball Example4.1.10End of Topic Test - Motion in a Straight Line4.1.11Acceleration Due to Gravity4.1.12Projectile Motion4.1.13Friction4.1.14Terminal Speed4.1.15End of Topic Test - Acceleration Due to Gravity4.1.16Newton's Laws4.1.17Momentum4.1.18Momentum 24.1.19End of Topic Test - Newton's Laws & Momentum4.1.20A-A* (AO3/4) - Newton's Third Law4.1.21Work & Energy4.1.22Power & Efficiency4.1.23Conservation of Energy4.1.24End of Topic Test - Work, Energy & Power4.1.25Exam-Style Question - Forces4.1.26Diagnostic Misconceptions - Perpendicular Vectors4.1.27Diagnostic Misconceptions - Weight Acts Downwards4.1.28Diagnostic Misconceptions - Acceleration Direction4.1.29Diagnostic Misconceptions - Stationary Objects4.1.30Diagnostic Misconceptions - Action & Reaction4.1.31Diagnostic Misconceptions - RF Direction4.1.32Diagnostic Misconceptions - RF Acceleration4.1.33Diagnostic Misconceptions - Change in Momentum
5Electricity
5.1Current Electricity
5.1.1Basics of Electricity5.1.2Current-Voltage Characteristics5.1.3End of Topic Test - Basics of Electricity5.1.4Resistivity5.1.5Superconductivity5.1.6A-A* (AO3/4) - Superconductivity5.1.7End of Topic Test - Resistivity & Superconductors5.1.8Circuits5.1.9Power and Conservation5.1.10Potential Divider5.1.11Emf & Internal Resistance5.1.12End of Topic Test - Power & Potential5.1.13Exam-Style Question - Resistance5.1.14Diagnostic Misconceptions - Constant Current5.1.15Diagnostic Misconceptions - Potential Difference
6Further Mechanics & Thermal Physics (A2 only)
6.1Periodic Motion (A2 only)
6.2Thermal Physics (A2 only)
6.2.1Thermal Energy Transfer6.2.2Thermal Energy Transfer Experiments6.2.3Ideal Gases6.2.4Ideal Gases 26.2.5Boyle's Law & Charles' Law6.2.6Molecular Kinetic Theory Model6.2.7Molecular Kinetic Theory Model 26.2.8End of Topic Test - Thermal Energy & Ideal Gases6.2.9Exam-Style Question - Ideal Gases6.2.10Diagnostic Misconceptions - Material & Mass6.2.11Diagnostic Misconceptions - No Energy
7Fields & Their Consequences (A2 only)
7.1Fields (A2 only)
7.2Gravitational Fields (A2 only)
7.3Electric Fields (A2 only)
7.4Capacitance (A2 only)
7.5Magnetic Fields (A2 only)
7.5.1Magnetic Flux Density7.5.2End of Topic Test - Capacitance & Flux Density7.5.3Moving Charges in a Magnetic Field7.5.4Magnetic Flux & Flux Linkage7.5.5Electromagnetic Induction7.5.6Electromagnetic Induction 27.5.7Alternating Currents7.5.8Operation of a Transformer7.5.9Magnetic Flux Density7.5.10End of Topic Test - Electromagnetic Induction
8Nuclear Physics (A2 only)
8.1Radioactivity (A2 only)
8.1.1Rutherford Scattering8.1.2Alpha & Beta Radiation8.1.3Gamma Radiation8.1.4Radioactive Decay8.1.5Half Life8.1.6End of Topic Test - Radioactivity8.1.7Nuclear Instability8.1.8Nuclear Radius8.1.9Mass & Energy8.1.10Binding Energy8.1.11Induced Fission8.1.12Safety Aspects of Nuclear Reactors8.1.13End of Topic Test - Nuclear Physics8.1.14A-A* (AO3/4) - Nuclear Fusion
9Option: Astrophysics (A2 only)
9.1Telescopes (A2 only)
9.2Classification of Stars (A2 only)
9.3Cosmology (A2 only)
10Option: Medical Physics (A2 only)
10.1Physics of the Eye (A2 only)
10.2Physics of the Ear (A2 only)
10.3Biological Measurement (A2 only)
10.4Non-Ionising Imaging (A2 only)
10.5X-Ray Imaging (A2 only)
10.6Radionuclide Imaging & Therapy (A2 only)
11Option: Engineering Physics (A2 only)
11.1Rotational Dynamics (A2 only)
11.2Thermodynamics & Engines (A2 only)
12Option: Turning Points in Physics (A2 only)
12.1Discovery of the Electron (A2 only)
12.2Wave-Particle Duality (A2 only)
Practice questions on Ideal Gases 2
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- 1What is the correct equation for the work done on a gas?Multiple choice
- 2
- 3
- 4What is Avogadro's number?Flashcard
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