Explain why the pressure exerted by a gas increases as they are heated at constant volume, with references to the kinetic theory of gases.

The kinetic theory models gas particles as points moving around with a given velocity. Heating the particles causes the transfer of heat energy, which is then used to increase the particles kinetic energy. This causes them to move with a greater velocity and hence exert an increased force on the sides of the container, which in turn causes the pressure to increase (recall pressure is defined as the normal force per unit area).

ZM

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A student studied how a few parameters of the electromagnetic radiation affects the I-V(current-voltage) curve of photoelectricity. By increasing one parameter he saw that the saturation current has risen. Which parameter it was?


How do control rods work in a nuclear fission reactor?


An ideal gas within a closed system undergoes an isothermal expansion from an initial volume of 1m^3 to 2m^3. Given that the initial pressure of the gas is 10^5 Pa, find the final pressure of the gas following the expansion.


Why do I keep losing marks on 6 markers?