Pressure-Temperature Relationship in Gases
Recommended for grades 9–12.
Introduction
Gases are made up of molecules that are in constant motion and exert pressure when they collide with the walls of their container. The velocity and the number of collisions of these molecules are affected when the temperature of the gas increases or decreases. In this experiment, you will study the relationship between the temperature of a gas sample and the pressure it exerts. Using the apparatus, you will place an Erlenmeyer flask containing an air sample in water baths of varying temperature. Pressure will be monitored with a Gas Pressure Sensor and temperature will be monitored using a Temperature Probe. The volume of the gas sample and the number of molecules it contains will be kept constant. Pressure and temperature data pairs will be collected during the experiment and then analyzed. From the data and graph, you will determine what kind of mathematical relationship exists between the pressure and absolute temperature of a confined gas. You may also do the extension exercise and use your data to find a value for absolute zero on the Celsius temperature scale.
Objectives
In this experiment, you will
- Study the relationship between the temperature of a gas sample and the pressure it exerts.
- Determine from the data and graph, the mathematical relationship between the pressure and absolute temperature of a confined gas.
- Find a value for absolute zero on the Celsius temperature scale.
Sensors and Equipment
This experiment requires each of the following Vernier sensors and equipment (unless otherwise noted):
Additional Requirements
You may also need an interface and software for data collection. What do I need for data collection?
Download Experiment Preview
The student-version preview includes:
- Step-by-step instructions for computer-based data collection
- List of materials and equipment
Note: The experiment preview of the computer edition does not include essential teacher information, safety tips, or sample data. Instructions for Logger Pro and other software (such as LabQuest App or TI handheld software, where available) are on the CD that accompanies the book. We strongly recommend that you purchase the book before performing experiments.
Standards Correlations
Included in the Lab Book
Vernier lab books include a CD with word-processing files of the student instructions, essential teacher information, suggested answers, sample data and graphs, and more.