Kinetic theory of gases
15.3What the syllabus asks of you
- state the basic assumptions of the kinetic theory of gases
- explain how molecular movement causes the pressure exerted by a gas and derive and use the relationship pV = ⅓Nm<c²>, where <c²> is the mean-square speed (a simple model considering one-dimensional collisions and then extending to three dimensions using ⅓<c²> = <cx²> is sufficient)
- understand that the root-mean-square speed cr.m.s. is given by √<c²>
- compare pV = ⅓Nm<c²> with pV = NkT to deduce that the average translational kinetic energy of a molecule is (3/2)kT, and recall and use this expression
Read the notes first
Chapter 15: Kinetic theory of gases
Drill this topic
All 28 questions on Kinetic theory of gases, untimed — answer on paper, then mark yourself against the mark scheme.
Make a worksheet
Choose the years and how many questions, then print it with the answers on separate pages.
28 questions
These are structured questions, answered in working rather than by picking an option, so they are not listed here one by one. The drill above puts each in front of you with its mark scheme to check against.