Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Kinetic theory of gases

Kinetic theory of gases — practice question

(a(i))[2]

State what the term internal energy means.

(a(ii))[1]

State the basic assumption in the kinetic theory of gases that allows you to conclude that there is zero potential energy between the molecules of an ideal gas.

(b)[3]

The pressure $p$ and volume $V$ of an ideal gas satisfy $pV = \frac{1}{3}Nm\langle c^2 \rangle$, where $N$ is the number of molecules, $m$ is the mass of a molecule and $\langle c^2 \rangle$ is the mean-square speed of the molecules. Use this relation to show that the mean kinetic energy $\langle E_K \rangle$ of a molecule is $\langle E_K \rangle = \frac{3}{2}kT$, where $k$ is the Boltzmann constant and $T$ is the thermodynamic temperature.

(c)

A cylinder contains $17\,\text{g}$ of oxygen gas at a temperature of $12^{\circ}\text{C}$. The mass of $1.0\,\text{mol}$ of oxygen gas is $32\,\text{g}$. Oxygen may be treated as an ideal gas. Calculate, for the oxygen gas in the cylinder,

(c(i))[2]

the mean kinetic energy for one molecule.

(c(ii))[2]

the total number of molecules.

(c(iii))[1]

the overall internal energy.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 11-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: The total of kinetic energy and potential energy of atoms/molecules

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