Chapter 14, Problem 123A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To explain how the pressure of a gas is produced using the diagrams given.

Concept Introduction: The gas molecules will produce pressure through their motion. Generally, pressure is obtained when the molecules of gas collide with each other. These collisions are elastic even when they collide with themselves or with the wall of the container.

Answer to Problem 123A

In the first picture, the gas molecules are colliding with the walls of the container so pressure is exerted. In the second picture, the linear movement of molecules will result in pressure.

Explanation of Solution

Gas molecules do not have any particular shape. They move randomly and the distance between the molecules is high. So, due to this random movement of the molecules, the gas molecules will collide with the walls of the container due to which pressure is exerted. Similarly, in the second picture, the gas molecules are moving in linear motion due to which on hitting the rod or pipe-like thing they exert pressure. This pressure is exerted due to the linear movement of gas molecules.

Conclusion

In these pictures, it is clear that 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.