Kinetic Theory of Gases

The kinetic theory of gases explains the the relationship between the pressure, temperature and
volume of gases base on the following assumptions:

a. The gas consists of very small particles, each of which has a mass.
b. These particles are in constant, random motion.
c. The rapidly moving particles constantly collide with each other and with the walls of the
container. All these collisions are perfectly elastic.
d. There are forces of attraction between particles of matter. These attraction forces will
increase as the distance between the particles becomes closer.
e. The average kinetic energy of the gas particles depends only on the temperature of the
system. The higher the temperature, the higher the kinetic energy of the particles.

Boyle's law
Boyle's law states that the pressure of a gas with constant mass is inversely proportional to its volume
provided the temperature of the gas is kept constant.

P1/V
P=k/V
PV=k

Formula:

P1V1=P2V2
Explanation

1. When the volume of gas decreases, the number of gas particles per unit volume increases.
2. As a result, the frequency of collision between the air particles and the wall of the container
increases.
3. As such, the pressure of the gas increases.
Graph

1. In the graphs above, the first graph shows that P is inversely proportional to V.
2. The second graph shows that P is directly proportional to 1/V.
3. The third and the forth graphs shows that PV is always constant for all value of V and P.

Pressure Law
Pressure law states that for a fixed mass of gas, the pressure of the gas is directly proportional to the
absolute temperature of the gas provided the volume of the gas is kept constant.

PT
P=kT
P/T=k

Formula:
P1/T1=P2/T2

Explanation

1. The kinetic energy of gas molecules increases with temperature.

2. The air molecules collide with the wall of the container at higher velocity and frequency.
3. The pressure in the gas increases, causing an increase in volume.
Graph

1. In the graphs above, the first graph shows that P is directly proportional to the absolute
temperature.
2. The second graph shows that, if the temperature is in C, the graph does not pass through the
origin.
3. The third and the forth graphs shows that P/T is always constant for all value of P and T

Charles Law
Charles law states that for a fixed mass of gas, the volume of the gas is directly proportional to the
absolute temperature of the gas provided the pressure of the gas is kept constant.

VT
V=kT
V/T=k

Formula:
V1/T1=V2/T2

Explanation

1. When temperature increases, the average kinetic energy of the gas particles will increase.
2. The air molecule move faster and collide with the wall of the container more vigorously at higher
frequency.
3. As a result, the space between the gas particles increases and the volume of the gas increases.
Graph

1. In the graphs above, the first graph shows that V is directly proportional to the absolute
temperature.
2. The second graph shows that, if the temperature is in oC, the graph does not pass through the
origin.
3. The third and the forth graphs shows that V/T is always constant for all value of V and T.