As we begin our simulation we would think that if we increase the volume [by sliding the handle on the left side of the box] the pressure for a set number of particles will ? . If we decrease the volume of the box with a set number of particles, we expect the pressure to ? .

Answer 1

In a closed system with a set number of particles, if you increase the volume of the box by sliding the handle on the left side, the pressure will decrease. This is because the gas particles have more space to move around, leading to fewer collisions with the walls of the container per unit area, which results in lower pressure.

Conversely, if you decrease the volume of the box while keeping the number of particles constant, the pressure will increase. This is due to the fact that the same number of particles is now confined to a smaller space, leading to more frequent collisions with the walls of the container, which increases the pressure.

In summary:

• Increasing the volume → pressure decreases.
• Decreasing the volume → pressure increases.