Question

The diagrams to the right show the distribution and arrangement of gas particles in two different containers. According to kinetic-molecular theory, which of the following statements is true? Check all that apply.

If the temperatures of both containers are equal, container A has greater pressure than container B.

If the volume of container A decreased, its pressure would decrease.

If the pressure in both containers is equal, container A has a lower temperature than container B.
Two containers are shown. Container A is square, and Container B is the same height, but is about twice as wide. Each container holds 6 gas particles distributed randomly.

Answer 1

True: statements 1 and 3. False: statement 2.

Reason: For an ideal gas P = (N k T)/V. Both containers have the same N (6 particles).
- If T is the same, the smaller volume (A) gives larger N/V, so A has larger pressure (statement 1 true).
- If A’s volume is decreased at fixed N and T, P increases (not decreases), so statement 2 is false.
- If pressures are equal, T = P V/(N k), so the smaller-volume container A must have the lower temperature (statement 3 true).