Thermodynamics > Kinetic Theory DCS# 4D30.20

KINETIC THEORY GAS MODEL

kinetic theory gas model

APPARATUS
gas model with ball bearings, styrofoam, and cardboard disks
202-11-A-1
DC power supply 202-08-D
video camera 202


DESCRIPTION
The motor vibrates the base plate inside a plexiglass cylinder containing steel ball bearings, to simulate the random motion of atoms in a gas.  Increasing the voltage is analogous to increasing the temperature of the gas.

A styrofoam piston supported by collisions with the balls can be used to show the relationship between volume and temperature.

The styrofoam piston can be loaded with cardboard disks to show the relationship between volume and pressure.


NOTES
 
Level the base.

Keep the lid on.

Note that the cylinder prevents the balls from getting under the base plate, where they can fall through the hole in the bottom.