Physics 5054 · O Level · Particle model

Particle model — practice question

Fig. 4.1 shows a cylinder fitted with a piston and containing a gas.
(a)[2]

A liquid takes up a far smaller volume than a gas containing the same number of molecules. Explain why this happens.

(b(i))[1]

State the equation that connects $V_1$, $V_2$, $p_1$ and $p_2$.

(b(ii))[3]

The gas in the cylinder starts at a pressure of $1.2 \times 10^5\,\text{Pa}$ and an initial volume of $100\,\text{cm}^3$. The piston has a cross-sectional area of $5.0\,\text{cm}^2$ and is driven in by $8.0\,\text{cm}$. Calculate the pressure of the gas after compression.

(b(iii))[1]

Explain why the pressure of the gas changes, using ideas about molecules.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 7-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: An extremely weak attractive force acts between gas molecules

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