Chapter U3.57, Problem 2E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Comprehend the cause of air pressure.

Concept Introduction: Matter can exist in three possible states of matter; solid, liquid and gases.

Solids are the substances with least intermolecular distance and strongest intermolecular forces whereas gases have largest intermolecular distance and weakest intermolecular forces. Liquids have intermediate value of intermolecular distance and intermolecular forces.

These states of matter can interconvert into each other and is called as interconversion of states of matter.

Answer to Problem 2E

The collision between gas particles of air and to the wall of container exert pressure on the wall of container.

Explanation of Solution

In gaseous state of matter, the particles have largest intermolecular distance between gaseous particles. Because of high kinetic energy, particles move freely and can escape from an open container.

Air is also a mixture of gases as it comprised of different gases like nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, etc. Due to random movement of gas particles, they collide with other gas particles and also collide with wall of container.

The collision between gas particles of air and to the wall of container exert pressure on the wall of container.