Question

Why does a gas exert pressure?

Answer 1

1. The kinetic theory of matter explains the physical properties of matter based on the motion of particles and their relative separation.
2. Based on the kinetic theory, the particles of the gases are farther apart from one another.
3. Thus the intermolecular space between the particles is very large.
4. Since the intermolecular space is very high, there is a very less intermolecular force of attraction between the particles.
5. So, the particles of the gas can move freely in any direction.
6. When the fast-moving gas particles hit the walls of the container, they exert a pressure called gas pressure on the walls of the container.
7. If the gas is heated, the particles of the gas move faster and faster resulting in more collisions and causing an increase in pressure.

Hence, a gas exerts pressure because the gas particles can move freely in any direction.