Temperature Increase in a Gas
Physics: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 3.3.3
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.
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.
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.
Test yourself on Temperature Increase in a Gas
What happens to a balloon if the temperature of the gas inside it increases?