The temperature of a gas sample in a rigid container is raised.The pressure the gas exerts on the container walls increases because
A)the molecules are in contact with the walls for briefer intervals.
B)the molecular masses increase.
C)the molecules have higher average speeds and so strike the walls more often with greater momentum.
D)the molecules lose more kinetic energy each time they strike the wall.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the temperature of a gas sample in a rigid container is raised, the molecules gain kinetic energy and move faster, increasing their average speed. Therefore, they collide more frequently with the walls of the container, leading to a higher pressure because they exert more force on the walls. The momentum of the molecules also increases, leading to a higher pressure. Options A, B, and D are not correct because they do not explain why the pressure increases when the temperature is raised.

The Temperature of a Gas Sample in a Rigid Container