Question

Why do gases exert pressure?

• A. Particles of gases hit each other.
• B. Particles of gases hit the walls of the container.
• C. Particles of gases are highly compressible.
• D. Gas particles have high intermolecular forces of attraction.

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Particles of gases hit the walls of the container.

Since particles of gases move in every possible direction, they continuously collide with other particles and also with the walls of container.
When the particles hit the wall, they exert an unbalanced force on the wall of container. This force when divided by the area gives us the pressure exerted by the gas on the container.