Charles' law

Charles' law states that volume is proportional to absolute temperature, for a fixed amount of gas at constant pressure.


Key Concepts

\(V\propto T\)

  • \(V\) is volume (m3)
  • \(T\) is temperature (K)

\({V_1\over T_1}={V_2\over T_2}\)

Essentials

Simulated experiment

 If a piston is allowed to move freely, the pressure of the gas will equal the atmospheric pressure. If the temperature is increased the gas will expand.

Kinetic theory explanation

 If the temperature of a gas is increased, the kinetic energy of the molecules increases. In order for the total amount of force exerted on the walls of the container to remain constant, the time between collisions must increase. Therefore, the volume of the container increases such that pressure is constant.

Test Yourself

Use quizzes to practise application of theory. 


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