A fixed mass of gas is compressed at constant temperature. A student gives two explanations for its increased pressure: particles move faster, and particles have a shorter distance to travel between opposite walls. Which evaluation is correct?
Only the faster-particle explanation is correct; mean particle kinetic energy increases.
Only the shorter-distance explanation is correct; mean particle kinetic energy is unchanged.
Both explanations are correct; mean particle kinetic energy increases during compression.
Neither explanation is correct; mean particle kinetic energy decreases during compression.
108 exam-style questions on Edexcel GCSE Physics 14.3 Gas pressure and temperature, covering 14.3.1 Gas pressure and particle motion, 14.3.2 Temperature and pressure at constant volume, 14.3.3 Absolute zero and the kelvin scale, 14.3.4 Compressing and expanding gases, 14.3.5 Volume and pressure at constant temperature, and 14.3.6 Doing work on a gas. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.