What happens to the pressure inside a gas-filled ball when the temperature is increased? Explain your answer, stating the assumption made.

From definition of pressure have P=F/A (in reality for a ball we are talking about infinitesimal areas, but the general definition is sufficient at this level). Assume that the area of the surface under consideration stays fixed. This is an important point about physics in general as we must be aware of what assumptions are being made and if they are appropriate. This effectively means the shape of the ball stays fixed and so we can allow proportionality between P and F. By Newton II Law we know F=dp/dt and so combining equations have P=(1/A)dp/dt. Stating conservation of momentum in a collision and the assumption of infinite wall mass, and the kinetic definition of temperature (proportional to average particle kinetic energy sufficient). Hence an increase in temperature leads to an increased rms particle velocity, leading to an increased average particle momentum. Hence the overall pressure is increased as we observe a higher collision rate and a higher change in momentum per collision. 

JH
Answered by James H. Physics tutor

2299 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Topic - force as rate of change of momentum; (i) force on a wall due to water from a hose, (ii) force on a table as a rope is dropped onto it.


Give the definition simple harmonic motion and write down the defining equation for such motion stating the meaning of any symbols involved.


If a ball is thrown on the Moon, the projectile would have a greater range than if it were to have been thrown on Earth. Why is this the case?


Draw and describe the major points of a typical stress-strain graph for a metal.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning