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Figure 1 shows a fixed mass of gas inside a cylinder with a movable piston - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 2
Figure 1 shows a fixed mass of gas inside a cylinder with a movable piston. (i) Describe, in terms of gas particles, how the gas exerts a pressure on the cylinder. ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 1 shows a fixed mass of gas inside a cylinder with a movable piston - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe, in terms of gas particles, how the gas exerts a pressure on the cylinder.
Answer
Gas particles are constantly in motion and move in random directions. When they collide with the walls of the container, such as the sides of the cylinder, they exert a force on these surfaces. Each collision transfers momentum, resulting in a pressure on the cylinder's walls. This pressure arises from the combined effect of numerous particles hitting the container surfaces.
Step 2
State what happens to the pressure the gas exerts on the cylinder when the volume of gas is reduced, as in Figure 2.
Answer
The pressure of the gas increases when the volume is reduced. This is due to the gas particles being forced closer together, which leads to more frequent collisions with the walls of the cylinder.