Chapter 14, Problem 122A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To explain how the gas expands until it takes the shape of the container.

Concept Introduction: Gas molecules do not have definite shapes and volumes. The gas can take the shape of a container. The distance between the gas molecules will make the volume negligible.

Answer to Problem 122A

As gas molecules do not contain a particular shape, they expand until they attain the shape of the container.

Explanation of Solution

In general, gas molecules do not have any particular shape and volume. When they are placed in a container, they undergo random movement. Due to this random motion, they also undergo elastic collision until they attain the shape of the container.

Conclusion

Gas contains many numbers of molecules. The pressure is exerted by the gas-only because of the collisions that the gas molecule will undergo. These collisions will give rise to pressure.