AP Physics 2, Unit 9, Lesson 1: Kinetic Molecular Theory

Kinetic Molecular Theory

By Kaye Pickett

Multiple Choice

The number of atoms in a rigid container is increased by a factor of 2 while the temperature is held constant. The pressure:

• decreases by a factor of 4

• decreases by a factor of 2

• increases by a factor of 4

• increases by a factor of 2

• stays the same

Multiple Choice

The thermal energy of a rigid container of helium gas is halved. What happens to the temperature, in Kelvin?

• it is decreased by a factor of 4

• it is decreased by a factor of 2

• it is increased by a factor of 2

• it stays the same.

Multiple Choice

A rigid container holds both hydrogen gas and nitrogen gas at 100oC. Which statement describes their rms speeds?

• hydrogen has a lower rms speed

• they have the same rms speed

• nitrogen has a lower rms speed

Multiple Choice

An object moving faster than the earth's escape velocity (about 11km/s) has enough energy to escape the pull of the earth's gravity. Which of the following gas molecules would be most likely to be moving at a speed high enough to escape the earth's atmosphere?

• carbon dioxide

• oxygen

• nitrogen

• water vapor

• hydrogen

Multiple Choice

Two identical cylinders, A and B, contain the same type of gas at the same pressure. Cylinder A has twice as much gas as cylinder B. Which is true?

• T(A) < T(B)

• T(A) = T(B)

• T(A) > T(B)

• not enough information