Kinetic Theory of Gases
 

Kinetic Theory of Gases problem 11


  • Use kinetic theory to explain why, when the piston is moved so that the gas expands, this causes a decrease in the temperature of the gas.


  • The gas expands so that its volume increases to at a pressure of and a temperature of , as shown in the figure below:




    • The average translational kinetic energy of a molecule of an ideal gas is given by




      where is the Boltzmann constant and is the thermodynamic temperature. Calculate the increase in internal energy of the gas during the expansion.


    • The work done by the gas during the expansion is . Use your answer in (i) to explain whether thermal energy is transferred to or from the gas during the expansion.


 

main author and content editor: Ebenezer Famadewa