Topic 3: Thermal Physics

Question 1

The kinetic theory of ideal gases is one example of a scientific model. Give two reasons why scientists find such models useful.

Answer 1

• Help make predictions
• Help improve explanation

Question 2

How does the internal energy of an ideal gas differ from that of a real gas?

Answer 2

The internal energy of an ideal gas is only dependent on temperature (Ek) and not pressure and volume.

Question 3

State some assumptions of the kinetic model of an ideal gas.

Answer 3

• particles can be considered points
• no intermolecular forces
• the volume of a particle is negligible compared to volume of gas
• collisions between particles are elastic
• time between particle collisions are greater than time of collision
• no PE between particles