Use the kinetic theory of gases to explain why the pressure inside a container increases when the temperature of the air inside it rises. Assume that the volume of the container remains constant.

The kinetic theory of gases states that a gas consists of many molecules in constant motion. A rise in temperature increases the mean speed of these molecules, and therefore their momentum (=mv).

The increased momentum of these molecules results in more frequent and more forceful collisions with the walls of the container. Pressure is defined as force/area. As we are told that the volume, and therefore the area of the walls of the container remain the same, the increased force of the colliding gas molecules must result in an increased pressure within the container.

ET
Answered by Epen T. Physics tutor

8173 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Calculate the temperature rise of a mass due to energy transfer over time.


A DVD is dropped from rest. The DVD does not reach terminal velocity before it hits the ground. Explain how the acceleration of the DVD varies from the instant it is dropped until just before it hits the ground.


Particle A (60kg) moves right at 50m/s. It collides with particle B (250kg) moving left at 10m/s. If after the collision particle A moves left at 20m/s, calculate the final velocity of particle B


On the line of centres between the Earth and the Moon, there is a point where the net gravitational force is zero. Given that the distance between the two is 385,000 km, and that the Earth has a mass 81x that of the Moon, how far is this point from Earth?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning