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

Kinetic theory of gases — practice question

(a)[2]

An ideal gas is taken to contain molecules that are hard elastic identical spheres. State two more assumptions of the kinetic theory of gases.

(b)[1]

The number of molecules per unit volume in an ideal gas is $n$. If every molecule is assumed to move at speed $v$, the pressure $p$ exerted by the gas on the vessel walls is given by $p = \frac{1}{3}nmv^2$, where $m$ is the mass of one molecule. Explain how this result is changed to obtain the formula $p = \frac{1}{3}nm\langle c^2 \rangle$.

(c(i))[3]

An ideal gas has density $1.2\,\text{kg m}^{-3}$ when the pressure is $1.0 \times 10^5\,\text{Pa}$ and the temperature is $27^{\circ}\text{C}$. Calculate the root-mean-square (r.m.s.) speed of the molecules of the gas at $27^{\circ}\text{C}$.

(c(ii))[2]

Calculate the mean-square speed of the molecules at $207^{\circ}\text{C}$.

(ii)[2]

Calculate the mean-square speed of the molecules when the temperature is $207^{\circ}\text{C}$.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 10-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Any two valid ideal-gas assumptions, for example negligible volume, no intermolecular forces, random motion, many molecules, or very short collision time

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