3.3.2

Particle Motion in Gases 2

Test yourself

Temperature Increase in a Gas

The pressure of a gas produces a net force (the sum of all the forces) at right angles to the wall of a container. As you increase the temperature of a gas, its particles get more kinetic energy and move faster.

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Fixed container

  • If we increase the temperature of the gas in a fixed volume, then the particles will collide with (hit) the container walls with more force.
  • Therefore the pressure will increase.
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Stretchy container

  • An increase in temperature leads to a higher kinetic energy of particles.
  • These particles collide with (hit) the walls of the container with more force.
  • The container will expand (increase its volume) if it is able to.
    • This is because the gas pushes it outwards.

Work Done on a Gas

Doing work on a gas increases the gas’ internal energy. This increases the temperature of the gas. We can do work on a gas with a bicycle pump.

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Gas applies pressure

  • The gas applies pressure (and so a force) to the pump’s plunger.
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Do work on the gas

  • You must work against this force to push the plunger down.
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Increase kinetic energy and temperature of gas

  • This work increases the kinetic energy and temperature of the gas.

Jump to other topics

1Energy

2Electricity

3Particle Model of Matter

4Atoms & Radiation

5Forces

6Waves

7Magnetism

8Astrophysics

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