Temperature and Pressure


The pressure that a gas exerts on the walls of its container is determined by the momentum of the atoms and molecules of the gas, which in turn is determined by the temperature. As the temperature increases the atoms and molecules move faster, and so exert a greater pressure on the walls. If the walls are rigid, such that the volume of the container is held constant, then the relationship between pressure P and temperature T is given by Charles' Law:
P = constant x T

The simulation at right shows an ensamble of identical atoms or molecules in a closed container. You can change the temperature of the gas using the scrollbar, and see the effect that changes in temperature have on the kinetic energy of the atoms or molecules and on the pressure of the gas as measured by the pressure gauge to the right..

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