GAS LAWS

KINETIC THEORY AND TEMPERATURE:

The kinetic theory of gases states that all the molecules are in constant random motion. In simpler terms,
they all have a kinetic energy, hence the name - kinetic theory. A rise in temperature causes the kinetic
energy of gases to increase. In other words, when temperature increases, the average speed of
the molecules also increases.

Even though in everyday life we use degree Celsius as a unit of temperature, in gas laws, all
calculations involving temperature must be in the Kelvin scale. To convert temperature in degree
Celsius to Kelvin, simply add 273. Conversely if you want to convert the temperature in degree Celsius
from Kelvin scale, subtract 273.

Temperature in the Kelvin scale is called absolute temperature and 0 K is called absolute zero.

The quantities in concern in gas laws are pressure, volume & temperature. The gas laws basically represent
the relationship between any of these two quantities. When the relationship between any two quantities is
to be determined, it has to be ensured that the third quantity is kept constant.

BOYLE’S LAW:

Boyle's law represents the relationship between pressure and volume and as mentioned earlier, to establish
the relationship between pressure and volume, the temperature must be kept constant.

Boyle’s law states that the pressure of a fixed mass of gas is inversely proportional to the volume.
Mathematically: P∝1/V.
To turn the expression into an equation we need to introduce a constant. Therefore,
P = constant x 1/V
OR
PV = constant
Therefore
P1V1 = P2V2. This is the equation that you will be using in calculations involving Boyle’s law.

Graphs for Boyle’s Law

Analyzing relationship between pressure and volume:
It has to be kept in mind that between pressure and volume, pressure is the dependent quantity and
volume is the independent quantity, i.e., pressure depends on volume and not the other way around.
Since temperature is kept constant, it is called a control variable in this context.

As seen in the diagram, pushing the plunger in causes the

volume of gas inside the container to decrease.

Since the gas molecules are closer, they will now collide
more frequently.

More frequent collisions mean a greater average force per

unit area. Therefore, a greater pressure is exerted.

CHARLES' LAW:

Charles' law represents the relationship between volume and temperature and as mentioned earlier,
to establish the relationship between volume and temperature, the pressure must be kept constant.

Charles' law states that the volume of a fixed mass of gas at constant pressure is directly proportional to the
temperature (in the Kelvin scale).

Mathematically: V ∝ T
To turn the expression into an equation we need to introduce a constant. Therefore:
V = constant x T
OR
V/T = constant
Therefore
V1/T1 = V2/T2. This is the equation that you will be using in calculations involving Charle’s law.

Graphs for Charle’s law

Analyzing relationship volume and temperature:
It has to be kept in mind that between volume and temperature, volume is the dependent variable and
temperature is the independent variable, i.e., volume depends on temperature and not the other way
around. Since pressure is kept constant, it is called a control variable in this context.

As the temperature increases, the average

kinetic energy of the molecules also increases.

So, the molecules move faster and collide harder

with each other.

They also move farther apart from each other.

This, in turn, increases the volume of the gas.

PRESSURE LAW:

Pressure law represents the relationship between pressure and temperature and as mentioned earlier, to
establish the relationship between pressure and temperature, the volume must be kept constant.

Pressure law states that the pressure of a fixed mass of gas at constant volume is directly proportional to the
temperature (in the Kelvin scale).

Mathematically: P ∝ T
To turn the expression into an equation we need to introduce a constant. Therefore
P = constant x T
OR
P/T = constant
Therefore
P1/T1 = P2/T2. This is the equation that you will be using in calculations involving Pressure law.

Graphs for pressure law

Analysing relationship pressure and temperature:
It has to be kept in mind that between pressure and temperature, pressure is the dependent variable
and temperature is the independent variable, i.e., pressure depends on temperature and not the other
way around. Since volume is kept constant, it is called the control variable in this context.

As the temperature increases, the kinetic

energy of the molecules also increases.

The molecules move faster and collide

harder with each other.

There is a greater rate of change of

momentum, a greater force that acts per
unit area. Therefore, the pressure of the gas
increases.