GCSE Physics · AQA 8463 · Topic 4.3.3
Particle model and pressure
Key points
- Gas particles are in constant random motion. The temperature of a gas is related to the average kinetic energy of its particles.
- When particles collide with the container walls they exert a force, which produces pressure on the walls.
- At constant volume, raising the temperature makes particles move faster, so they hit the walls more often and harder: the pressure increases.
- For a fixed mass of gas at constant temperature, = constant. Halving the volume doubles the pressure.
- (Higher tier) Doing work on a gas, such as pumping up a tyre, increases its internal energy and can raise its temperature.
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A football feels harder on a hot day and a bicycle pump gets warm as you use it. Both are explained by picturing a gas as billions of fast-moving particles bouncing off the walls of their container.
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