genius PHYSICS by Pradeep Kshetrapal

2 Kinetic Theory of Gases

11.1 Introduction.
In gases the intermolecular forces are very weak and its molecule may fly apart in all
directions. So the gas is characterised by the following properties.
(i)It has no shape and size and can be obtained in a vessel of any shape or size.
(ii) It expands indefinitely and uniformly to fill the available space.
(iii) It exerts pressure on its surroundings.
11.2 Assumption of Kinetic Theory of Gases.
Kinetic theory of gases relates the macroscopic properties of gases (such as pressure,
temperature etc.) to the microscopic properties of the gas molecules (such as speed,
momentum, kinetic energy of molecule etc.)
Actually it attempts to develop a model of the molecular behaviour which should result in the
observed behaviour of an ideal gas. It is based on following assumptions :
(1) Every gas consists of extremely small particles known as molecules. The molecules of a
given gas are all identical but are different than those of another gas.
(2) The molecules of a gas are identical, spherical, rigid and perfectly elastic point masses.
(3) Their size is negligible in comparison to intermolecular distance (10 9 m)
(4) The volume of molecules is negligible in comparison to the volume of gas. (The volume of
molecules is only 0.014% of the volume of the gas).
(5) Molecules of a gas keep on moving randomly in all possible direction with all possible
velocities.
(6) The speed of gas molecules lie between zero and infinity (very high speed).
(7) The number of molecules moving with most probable speed is maximum.
(8) The gas molecules keep on colliding among themselves as well as with the walls of
containing vessel. These collisions are perfectly elastic. (i.e. the total energy before collision =
total energy after the collision).
(9) Molecules move in a straight line with constant speeds during successive collisions.
(10) The distance covered by the molecules between two successive collisions is known as
free path and mean of all free paths is known as mean free path.
(11) The time spent M a collision between two molecules is negligible in comparison to time
between two successive collisions.
(12) The number of collisions per unit volume in a gas remains constant.
(13) No attractive or repulsive force acts between gas molecules.
genius PHYSICS by Pradeep Kshetrapal

3 Kinetic Theory of Gases

(14) Gravitational attraction among the molecules is ineffective due to extremely small
masses and very high speed of molecules.
(15) Molecules constantly collide with the walls of container due to which their momentum
changes. The change in momentum is transferred to the walls of the container. Consequently
pressure is exerted by gas molecules on the walls of container.
(16) The density of gas is constant at all points of the container.
11.3 Pressure of an Ideal Gas.
Consider an ideal gas (consisting of N molecules each of mass m) enclosed in a cubical box
of side L.

Its any molecule moves with velocity v in any direction where v vxi vyj vzk

This molecule collides with the shaded wall (A1 ) with Y

velocity vx and rebounds with velocity vx .

vx
The change in momentum of the molecule
vx
X
P (mvx ) (mvx ) 2mvx
L
As the momentum remains conserved in a collision, the Z
change in momentum of the wall A1 is P 2mvx

After rebound this molecule travel toward opposite wall A2 with velocity vx , collide to it
and again rebound with velocity vx towards wall A1.
(1) Time between two successive collision with the wall A1.
Distance
travelled
by molecule between collision 2L
twosuccessive
t
Velocityof molecule vx

1 vx
Number of collision per second n
t 2L
vx m
(2) The momentum imparted per unit time to the wall by this molecule nP 2mvx vx2
2L L
m 2
This is also equal to the force exerted on the wall A1 due to this molecule F vx
L
m
(3) The total force on the wall A1 due to all the molecules Fx
L
v 2
x

(4) Now pressure is defined as force per unit area

Fx m m m m
Px
A AL
v 2
x
V
v 2
x Similarly Py
V
v
2
y and Pz
V
v
2
z

m
So Px Py Pz
V
(v 2
x vy2 vz2 )

m
3P
V
v 2
[As Px Py Pz P and v2 vx2 vy2 vz2 ]

m 2
3P (v1 v22 v33 ......)
V
genius Kinetic Theory of Gases 4

mN v12 v22 v32 v42 ....

or 3P
V N

mN 2
or 3P vrms As root mean square velocity of the gas molecule
V

v12 v22 v32 v42 .....

vrms
N

1 mN 2
or P vrms
3 V
Important points
1 mN 2 (m N)T
(i) P vrms or P 2
[As vrms T]
3 V V
(a) If volume and temperature of a gas are constant P mN i.e. Pressure (Mass of gas).
i.e. if mass of gas is increased, number of molecules and hence number of collision per
second increases i.e. pressure will increase.
(b) If mass and temperature of a gas are constant. P (1/V), i.e., if volume decreases,
number of collisions per second will increase due to lesser effective distance between the walls
resulting in greater pressure.
(c) If mass and volume of gas are constant, P (vrms)2 T
i.e., if temperature increases, the mean square speed of gas molecules will increase and as
gas molecules are moving faster, they will collide with the walls more often with greater
momentum resulting in greater pressure.
1 mN 2 1M 2
(ii) P vrms vrms [As M = mN = Total mass of the gas]
3 V 3 V
1 M
vrms As V
2
P
3
(iii) Relation between pressure and kinetic energy
1 1 M 2 1
Kinetic energy per unit volume (E) vrms vrms ..(i)
2 2
Kinetic energy M vrms
2 2 V 2
1
and we know P vrms
2
..(ii)
3
2
From (i) and (ii), we get P E
3
i.e. the pressure exerted by an ideal gas is numerically equal to the two third of the mean
kinetic energy of translation per unit volume of the gas.
Sample Problems based on Pressure
Problem 1. The root mean square speed of hydrogen molecules of an ideal hydrogen gas kept in a gas
chamber at 0C is 3180 m/s. The pressure on the hydrogen gas is
(Density of hydrogen gas is 8.99 102 kg / m3 , 1 atmosphere 1.01 105 N / m2 )
[MP PMT 1995]
genius PHYSICS by Pradeep Kshetrapal

5 Kinetic Theory of Gases

(a) 0.1 atm (b) 1.5 atm (c) 2.0 atm (d) 3.0 atm
1 1
Solution : (d) As P 2
vrms (8.99 10 2 ) (3180)2 3.03 105 N/m2 3.0 atm
3 3
Problem 2. The temperature of a gas is raised while its volume remains constant, the pressure exerted
by a gas on the walls of the container increases because its molecules
[CBSE PMT 1993]

(a) Lose more kinetic energy to the wall

(b) Are in contact with the wall for a shorter time
(c) Strike the wall more often with higher velocities
(d) Collide with each other less frequency
Solution : (c) Due to increase in temperature root mean square velocity of gas molecules increases. So
they strike the wall more often with higher velocity. Hence the pressure exerted by a gas on
the walls of the container increases.
Problem 3. A cylinder of capacity 20 litres is filled with H 2 gas. The total average kinetic energy of
translatory motion of its molecules is 1.5 105 J . The pressure of hydrogen in the cylinder
is [MP PET 1993]

(a) 2 106 N / m2 (b) 3 106 N / m2 (c) 4 106 N / m2 (d) 5 106 N / m2

Solution : (d) Kinetic energy E = 1.5 105 J , volume V = 20 litre = 20 103 m3

2E 2 1.5 105
Pressure 5 106 N/m2 .
3V 3 20 10 3

Problem 4. N molecules each of mass m of gas A and 2N molecules each of mass 2m of gas B are
contained in the same vessel at temperature T. The mean square of the velocity of
molecules of gas B is v2 and the mean square of x component of the velocity of molecules of
w2
gas A is w2. The ratio is [NCERT 1984; MP PMT 1990]
v2
1 2
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) (d)
3 3
3kT
Solution : (d) Mean square velocity of molecule
m
For gas A, x component of mean square velocity of molecule w2

3kT
Mean square velocity 3w2 ..(i)
m
3kT
For B gas mean square velocity v2 ..(ii)
2m

3w2 2 w2 2
From (i) and (ii) so 2 .
v2 1 v 3

Problem 5. A flask contains 103 m3 gas. At a temperature, the number of molecules of oxygen are
3.0 1022 . The mass of an oxygen molecule is 5.3 1026 kg and at that temperature the
rms velocity of molecules is 400 m/s. The pressure in N / m2 of the gas in the flask is
(a) 8.48 104 (b) 2.87 104 (c) 25.44 104 (d) 12.72 104
Solution : (a) V 103 m3 , N 3.0 1022 , m 5.3 1026 kg, vrms 400m/s
genius Kinetic Theory of Gases 6

1 mN 2 1 5.3 1026 3.0 1022

P vrms (400)2 8.48 104 N/m2 .
3 V 3 10 3
Problem 6. A gas at a certain volume and temperature has pressure 75 cm. If the mass of the gas is
doubled at the same volume and temperature, its new pressure is
(a) 37.5 cm (b) 75 cm (c) 150 cm (d) 300 cm
1M 2 MT
Solution : (c) P vrms P
3 V V
At constant volume and temperature, if the mass of the gas is doubled then pressure will
become twice.
11.4 Ideal Gas Equation.
A gas which strictly obeys the gas laws is called as perfect or an ideal gas. The size of the
molecule of an ideal gas is zero i.e. each molecule is a point mass with no dimension. There is no
force of attraction or repulsion amongst the molecule of the gas. All real gases are not perfect
gases. However at extremely low pressure and high temperature, the gases like hydrogen,
nitrogen, helium etc. are nearly perfect gases.
The equation which relates the pressure (P), volume (V) and temperature (T) of the given
state of an ideal gas is known as gas equation.

Ideal gas equations

For 1 mole or NA molecule or M gram or 22.4 litres PV = RT
of gas
For mole of gas PV = RT
For 1 molecule of gas R
PV T kT
NA
For N molecules of gas PV = NkT
For 1 gm of gas R
PV T rT
M
for n gm of gas PV = nrT

(1) Universal gas constant (R) : Dimension [ML2T 2 1 ]

PV Pressure Volume Workdone
R
T No. of moles Temperatu
re No. of moles Temperatu
re

Thus universal gas constant signifies the work done by (or on) a gas per mole per kelvin.
Joule cal litre atm
S.T.P. value : 8.31 1.98 0.8221
mole kelvin mole kelvin mole kelvin
(2) Boltzman's constant (k) : Dimension [ML2T 2 1 ]
R 8.31
k 1.38 1023 Joule/kelvin
N 6.023 1023
(3) Specific gas constant (r) : Dimension [L2T 2 1 ]
R Joule
r ; Unit :
M gm kelvin
genius PHYSICS by Pradeep Kshetrapal

7 Kinetic Theory of Gases

Since the value of M is different for different gases. Hence the value of r is different for
different gases.
Sample Problems based on Ideal gas equation
Problem 7. A gas at 27C has a volume V and pressure P. On heating its pressure is doubled and volume
becomes three times. The resulting temperature of the gas will be
[MP PET 2003]
(a) 1800C (b) 162C (c) 1527C (d) 600C

T2 P2 V2 2P1 3V1
Solution : (c) From ideal gas equation PV RT we get 6
T1 P1 V1 P1 V1

T2 6T1 6 300 1800K 1527C.

Problem 8. A balloon contains 500m3 of helium at 27C and 1 atmosphere pressure. The volume of the
helium at 3C temperature and 0.5 atmosphere pressure will be
[MP PMT/PET 1998; JIPMER 2001, 2002]
3
(a) 500m (b) 700m3 (c) 900m3 (d) 1000m3

V2 T2 P1 270 1 9 9
Solution : (c) From PV RT we get V2 500 900m3
V1 T1 P2 300 0.5 5 5

Problem 9. When volume of system is increased two times and temperature is decreased half of its
initial temperature, then pressure becomes
[AIEEE 2002]
(a) 2 times (b) 4 times (c) 1 / 4 times (d) 1 / 2 times

P2 T2 V1 T1 / 2 V1 1 P
Solution : (c) From PV RT we get P2 1
P1 T1 V2 T1 2V1 4 4
Problem 10. The equation of state corresponding to 8g of O2 is
[CBSE PMT 1994; DPMT 2000]
(a) PV 8RT (b) PV RT / 4 (c) PV RT (d) PV RT / 2
1
Solution : (b) As 32 gm O 2 means 1 mole therefore 8 gm O 2 means 1 / 4mole i.e.
4
1 RT
So from PV RT we get PV RT or PV
4 4
Problem 11. A flask is filled with 13 gm of an ideal gas at 27C and its temperature is raised to 52C. The
mass of the gas that has to be released to maintain the temperature of the gas in the flask
at 52C and the pressure remaining the same is
[EAMCET (Engg.) 2000]
(a) 2.5 g (b) 2.0 g (c) 1.5 g (d) 1.0 g
Solution : (d) PV Mass of gas Temperature
In this problem pressure and volume remains constant so M 1T1 = M2T2 = constant
M 2 T1 (27 273) 300 12 12 12
M 2 M1 13 gm 12gm
M 1 T2 (52 273) 325 13 13 13
i.e. the mass of gas released from the flask = 13 gm 12 gm = 1 gm.
Problem 12. Air is filled at 60C in a vessel of open mouth. The vessel is heated to a temperature T so
that 1 / 4th part of air escapes. Assuming the volume of vessel remaining constant, the value
of T is [MP PET 1996, 99]
(a) 80C (b) 444C (c) 333C (d) 171C
genius Kinetic Theory of Gases 8

M 3M
Solution : (d) M 1 M , T1 60 273 333K , M 2 M [As 1 / 4th part of air escapes]
4 4
If pressure and volume of gas remains constant then MT = constant
T2 M
1
M 4 4 4
T2 T1 333 444K 171C
T1 M 2 3M / 4 3 3 3
Problem 13. If the intermolecular forces vanish away, the volume occupied by the molecules
contained in 4.5 kg water at standard temperature and pressure will be given by
[CPMT 1989]
3 3
(a) 5.6 m (b) 4.5 m (c) 11.2 litre (d) 11.2 m3
Massof water 4.5 kg
Solution : (a) 250, T = 273 K and P 105 N/m2 (STP)
Molecularwt.of water 18 10 3 kg

RT 250 8.3 273

From PV RT V 5.66m3 .
P 105
Problem 14. The pressure P, volume V and temperature T of a gas in the jar A and the other gas in the jar B
at pressure 2P, volume V/4 and temperature 2T, then the ratio of the number of molecules in
the jar A and B will be [AIIMS 1982]
(a) 1 : 1 (b) 1 : 2 (c) 2 : 1 (d) 4 : 1
N
Solution : (d) Ideal gas equation PV RT RT where N = Number of molecule, NA = Avogadro
NA
number
N1 P1 V1 T2 P V 2T 4
.
N 2 P2 V2 T1 2P V/4 T 1
Problem 15. The expansion of an ideal gas of mass m at a constant pressure P is given by the straight
line D. Then the expansion of the same ideal gas of mass 2m at a pressure P/ 2 is given by
the straight line
Volume
A
(a) E 8
B
6
C
(b) C 4
2 D
(c) B 1 E

(d) A Temperature

M M
Solution : (d) From PV MT or V T ; Here represents the slope of curve drawn on volume and
P P
temperature axis.
M
For first condition slope graph is D (given in the problem)
P
2M M
For second condition slope 4 i.e. slope becomes four time so graph A is correct in
P /2 P
this condition.
Problem 16. If the value of molar gas constant is 8.3 J/mole-K, the n specific gas constant for
hydrogen in J/mole-K will be
(a) 4.15 (b) 8.3 (c) 16.6 (d) None of these
Universalgasconstant (R) 8.3
Solution : (a) Specific gas constant r 4.15 Joule/mole-K.
Molecularweightof gas(M ) 2
genius PHYSICS by Pradeep Kshetrapal

9 Kinetic Theory of Gases

Problem 17. A gas in container A is in thermal equilibrium with another gas in container B. both
contain equal masses of the two gases in the respective containers. Which of the following
can be true
PA P
(a) PAVA PBVB (b) PA PB , VA VB (c) PA PB , VA VB (d) B
VA VB
Solution : (b, c) According to problem mass of gases are equal so number of moles will not be equal
i.e. A B
PA VA P V
From ideal gas equation PV RT B B [As temperature of the container
A B
are equal]
VA A
From this relation it is clear that if PA PB then 1 i.e. VA VB
VB B
PA A
Similarly if VA VB then 1 i.e. PA PB .
PB B
Problem 18. Two identical glass bulbs are interconnected by a thin glass tube. A gas is filled in these
bulbs at N.T.P. If one bulb is placed in ice and another bulb is placed in hot bath, then the
pressure of the gas becomes 1.5 times. The temperature of hot bath will be

(a) 100C
(b) 182C
(c) 256C
Ice Hot bath
(d) 546C
Solution : (d) Quantity of gas in these bulbs is constant i.e. Initial No. of moles in both bulb = final number
of moles
1 2 1' 2'
PV PV 1.5 PV 1.5PV 2 1.5 1.5

R(273) R(273) R(273) R(T ) 273 273 T
T 819K 546C .

Problem 19. Two containers of equal volume contain the same gas at pressures P1 and P2 and
absolute temperatures T1 and T2 respectively. On joining the vessels, the gas reaches a
common pressure P and common temperature T. The ratio P/T is equal to
P1 P2 P1T1 P2T2 P1T2 P2T1 P1 P
(a) (b) (c) (d) 2
T1 T2 (T1 T2)2 (T1 T2)2 2T1 2T2
P1V P2V
Solution : (d) Number of moles in first vessel 1 and number of moles in second vessel 2
RT1 RT2
If both vessels are joined together then quantity of gas Initially
P1 T1 P2 T2
remains same i.e 1 2
V V
P(2V) P1V P2 V
Finally
RT RT1 RT2 PT
P T
V V
P P P
1 2
T 2T1 2T2
genius Kinetic Theory of Gases 10

Problem 20. An ideal monoatomic gas is confined in a cylinder by a spring-loaded piston if cross-
section 8 103 m2 . Initially the gas is at 300K and occupies a volume of 2.4 103 m3
and the spring is in a relaxed state. The gas is heated by a small heater coil H. The force
constant of the spring is 8000 N/m, and the atmospheric pressure is 1.0 105 Pa . The
cylinder and piston are thermally insulated. The piston and the spring are massless and
there is no friction between the piston and cylinder. There is no heat loss through heater coil
wire leads and thermal capacity of the heater coil is negligible. With all the above
assumptions, if the gas is heated by the heater until the piston moves out slowly by 0.1m,
then the final temperature is

(a) 400 K Gas

Spring
(b) 800 K H

(c) 1200 K
(d) 300 K
N
Solution : (b) V1 2.4 103 m3 , P1 P0 105 and T1 = 300 K (given)
m2
If area of cross-section of piston is A and it moves through distance x then increment in
volume of the gas = Ax
F kx
and if force constant of a spring is k then force F = kx and pressure =
A A
V2 V1 Ax 2.4 103 8 103 0.1 3.2 103 and
kx 8000 0.1
P2 P0 105 3
2 105
A 8 10
P1V1 P V 105 2.4 103 2 105 3.2 103
From ideal gas equation 2 2
T1 T2 300 T2
T2 800K
Problem 21. Two identical containers each of volume V0 are joined by a small pipe. The containers
contain identical gases at temperature T0 and pressure P0 . One container is heated to
temperature 2T0 while maintaining the other at the same temperature. The common
pressure of the gas is P and n is the number of moles of gas in container at temperature
2T0
4 2 P0V0 3 P0V0
(a) P 2P0 (b) P P0 (c) n (d) n
3 3 RT0 2 RT0
Solution : (b, c) Initially for container A P0 V0 n0 RT0
Initially
P0 V0 n0, V0 n0, V0
For container B P0 V0 n0 RT0 n0 P0, T0 P0, T0
RT0
(A) (B)
Total number of moles n0 n0 2n0
Since even on heating the total number of moles is conserved
Hence n1 n2 2n0 ......(i)
If P be the common pressure then Finally
n1, V0 n2, V0
PV0 P, 2T0 P, T0
For container A PV0 n1R 2T0 n1
2RT0
(A) (B)
PV0
For container B PV0 n2 RT0 n2
RT0
genius PHYSICS by Pradeep Kshetrapal

11 Kinetic Theory of Gases

PV0 PV0 2.P0 V0
Substituting the value of n0 ,n1 and n2 in equation (i) we get
2RT0 RT0 RT0
4
P P0
3
PV0 4 V0 2 P0 V0
No. of moles in container A (at temperature 2T0 ) = n1 P0
2RT0 3 2RT0 3 RT0
4
As P 3 P0

Problem 22. At the top of a mountain a thermometer reads 7C and a barometer reads 70 cm of Hg.
At the bottom of the mountain these read 27C and 76 cm of Hg respectively. Comparison of
density of air at the top with that of bottom is o
7 C, 70 cm of
Hg
(a) 75/76
(b) 70/76
(c) 76/75
(d) 76/70 27oC, 76 cm of
Hg
P1 P2 P T
Solution : (a) Ideal gas equation, in terms of density constant 1 1 2
1T1 2T2 2 P2 T1
Top PTop TBottom 70 300 75

Bottom PBottom TTop 76 280 76
11.5 Vander Waal's Gas Equation.
All real gases do not obey the ideal gas equation. In order to explain the behaviour of real
gases following two modification are considered in ideal gas equation.
(i) Non-zero size of molecule : A certain portion of volume of a gas is covered by the
molecules themselves. Therefore the space available for the free motion of molecules of gas will
be slightly less than the volume V of a gas.
Hence the effective volume becomes (V b)
(ii) Force of attraction between gas molecules : Due to this, molecule do not exert that
force on the wall which they would have exerted in the absence of intermolecular force.
Therefore the observed pressure P of the gas will be less than that present in the absence of

a
intermolecular force. Hence the effective pressure becomes P 2
V
The equation obtained by using above modifications in ideal gas equation is called Vander
Waals equation or real gas equation.
Vander Waal's gas equations
a
For 1 mole of gas P 2 (V b) RT
V
2
For moles of gas P a (V b) RT
V 2

genius Kinetic Theory of Gases 12

Here a and b are constant called Vander Waals constant.

Dimension : [a] = [ML5 T 2 ] and [b] = [L3]
Units : a = N m4 and b = m3.
11.6 Andrews Curves.
The pressure (P) versus volume (V) curves for actual gases are called Andrews curves.
(1) At 350C, part AB represents vapour phase of water, D G
Gas
380C Liquid
1 vapour
in this part Boyles law is obeyed P . Part BC represents P H
region
V 374.1C

the co-existence of vapour and liquid phases. At point C, Liquid 370C

vapours completely change to liquid phase. Part CD is parallel F 360C E

Vapour
to pressure axis which shows that compressibility of the water C 350C B
A
is negligible. Andrews curve for V
water
(2) At 360C portion representing the co-existence of
liquid vapour phase is shorter.
(3) At 370C this portion is further decreased.
(4) At 374.1C, it reduces to point (H) called critical point and the temperature 374.1C is
called critical temperature (Tc) of water.
(5) The phase of water (at 380C) above the critical temperature is called gaseous phase.
Critical temperature, pressure and volume
The point on the P-V curve at which the matter gets converted from gaseous state to liquid
state is known as critical point. At this point the difference between the liquid and vapour
vanishes i.e. the densities of liquid and vapour become equal.
(i) Critical temperature (Tc) : The maximum temperature below which a gas can be
liquefied by pressure alone is called critical temperature and is characteristic of the gas. A gas
cannot be liquefied if its temperature is more than critical temperature.
CO2 (304.3 K), O2 (118C), N2 (147.1C) and H2O (374.1C)
(ii) Critical pressure (Pc) : The minimum pressure necessary to liquify a gas at critical
temperature is defined as critical pressure.
CO2 (73.87 bar) and O2 (49.7atm)
(iii) Critical volume (Vc) : The volume of 1 mole of gas at critical pressure and critical
temperature is defined as critical volume.

CO2 (95 106 m3)

(iv) Relation between Vander Waals constants and Tc, Pc, Vc :

8a a 27R 2 Tc2 R Tc Pc Vc 3
Tc , Pc , Vc 3b , a , b and R
27Rb 27b2 64 Pc 8 Pc Tc 8

Sample problems based on Vander Waal gas equation

genius PHYSICS by Pradeep Kshetrapal

13 Kinetic Theory of Gases

Problem 23. Under which of the following conditions is the law PV = RT obeyed most closely by a real
gas
[NCERT 1974; MP PMT 1994, 97; MP PET 1999; AMU 2001]

(a) High pressure and high temperature (b) Low pressure and low temperature
(c) Low pressure and high temperature (d) High pressure and low temperature
Solution : (c) At low pressure and high temperature real gas obey PV = RT i.e. they behave as ideal gas
because at high temperature we can assume that there is no force of attraction or repulsion
works among the molecules and the volume occupied by the molecules is negligible in
comparison to the volume occupied by the gas.

aT2
Problem 24. The equation of state of a gas is given by P V c (RT b) , where a, b, c and R

V
are constants. The isotherms can be represented by P AV m BVn , where A and B depend
only on temperature then
[CBSE PMT 1995]

(a) m c and n 1 (b) m c and n 1 (c) m c and n1

(d) m c and n 1

aT 2
Solution : (a) P V c RT b P aT 2 V 1 RTV c bV c P (RT b)V c (aT 2 )V 1

V

By comparing this equation with given equation P AV m BV n we get m c and

n 1 .
Problem 25. An experiment is carried on a fixed amount of gas at different temperatures and at high
PV
pressure such that it deviates from the ideal gas behaviour. The variation of with P is
RT
shown in the diagram. The correct variation will correspond
PV/RT to
[CPMT 1988]
2.0 A
(a) Curve A B
1.0
(b) Curve B
C
(c) Curve C D
0, 0 20 40 60 80 100 P (atm)
(d) Curve D
PV
Solution : (b) At lower pressure we can assume that given gas behaves as ideal gas so constant
RT
but when pressure increase, the decrease in volume will not take place in same proportion
PV
so will increases.
RT
Problem 26. The conversion of ideal gas into solids is
(a) Possible only at low pressure (b) Possible only at low temperature
(c) Possible only at low volume (d) Impossible
Solution : (d) Because there is zero attraction between the molecules of ideal gas.

11.7 Various Speeds of Gas Molecules.

The motion of molecules in a gas is characterised by any of the following three speeds.
genius Kinetic Theory of Gases 14

(1) Root mean square speed : It is defined as the square root of mean of squares of the

v12 v22 v32 v42 ....

speed of different molecules i.e. vrms
N
1 mN 2
(i) From the expression for pressure of ideal gas P vrms
3 V
3PV 3PV 3P Massof gas
vrms
mN

Massof gas

As V

3PV 3RT 3RT [As if M is the molecular weight of
(ii) vrms
Massof gas M M gas
PV = RT and Mass of gas = M ]
3RT 3N A kT 3kT
(iii) vrms [As M = NAm and R = NAk]
M NAM m

3P 3RT 3kT
Root mean square velocity vrms
M m

Important points
(i) With rise in temperature rms speed of gas molecules increases as vrms T .
1
(ii) With increase in molecular weight rms speed of gas molecule decreases as vrms .
M
e.g., rms speed of hydrogen molecules is four times that of oxygen molecules at the same
temperature.
(iii) rms speed of gas molecules is of the order of km/s

3RT 3 8.31 273

e.g., At NTP for hydrogen gas (vrms) 1840m/ s .
M 2 103
3
(iv) rms speed of gas molecules is times that of speed of sound in gas

3RT RT vrms
3
As vrms and vs vs
M M

(v) rms speed of gas molecules does not depends on the pressure of gas (if temperature
remains constant) because P (Boyles law) if pressure is increased n times then density will
also increases by n times but vrms remains constant.
(vi) Moon has no atmosphere because vrms of gas molecules is more than escape velocity (ve-
).
A planet or satellite will have atmosphere only and only if vrms ve
(vii) At T = 0; vrms = 0 i.e. the rms speed of molecules of a gas is zero at 0 K. This
temperature is called absolute zero.
(2) Most probable speed : The particles of a gas have a range of speeds. This is defined as
the speed which is possessed by maximum fraction of total number of molecules of the gas. e.g.,
if speeds of 10 molecules of a gas are 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6 km/s, then the most probable
speed is 3 km/s, as maximum fraction of total molecules possess this speed.
genius PHYSICS by Pradeep Kshetrapal

15 Kinetic Theory of Gases

2P 2RT 2kT
Most probable speed vmp
M m

(3) Average speed : It is the arithmetic mean of the speeds of molecules in a gas at given
temperature.
v1 v2 v3 v4 .....
vav
N
and according to kinetic theory of gases
8P 8 RT 8 kT
Average speed vav
M m

Note : vrms > vav > vmp (order remembering trick) (RAM)

8
vrms : vav : vmp = 3: : 2 3 : 2.5 : 2

For oxygen gas molecules vrms = 461 m/s, vav = 424.7 m/s and vrms = 376.4 m/s
Sample Problems based on Various speeds
Problem 27. At room temperature, the rms speed of the molecules of certain diatomic gas is found to
be 1930 m/s. The gas is
[IIT-JEE 1984; MP PET 2000; BCECE 2003]

(a) H 2 (b) F2 (c) O 2 (d) Cl 2

3RT
Solution : (a) Root means square velocity vrms 1930m/s (given)
M
3RT 3 8.31 300
M 2 10 3 kg 2 gm i.e. the gas is hydrogen.
(1930) 2 1930 1930
TA T
Problem 28. Let A and B the two gases and given : 4. B ; where T is the temperature and M
MA MB
CA
is the molecular mass. If C A and CB are the rms speed, then the ratio will be equal
CB
to [BHU 2003]
(a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 1 (d) 0.5

3RT CA TA / TB TA M
Solution : (a) As vrms 42 As 4 A given
M CB MA / MB TB MB
Problem 29. The rms speed of the molecules of a gas in a vessel is 400 ms1. If half of the gas leaks
out at constant temperature, the rms speed of the remaining molecules will be
[Kerala (Engg.) 2002]

(a) 800 ms 1
(b) 400 2 ms1 (c) 400 ms1 (d) 200 ms1
Solution : (c) Root mean square velocity does not depends upon the quantity of gas. For a given gas and
at constant temperature it always remains same.
Problem 30. The root mean square speed of hydrogen molecules at 300 K is 1930 m/s. Then the root
mean square speed of oxygen molecules at 900 K will be
[MH CET 2002]
genius Kinetic Theory of Gases 16

1930
(a) 1930 3 m/ s (b) 836 m/s (c) 643 m/s (d) m/ s
3

3RT vH 2 TH 2 M O2 1930 300 32

Solution : (b) vrms
M vO2 M H2 TO2 vO2 2 900

1930 3
vO2 836m/s .
4
Problem 31. At what temperature is the root mean square velocity of gaseous hydrogen molecules is
equal to that of oxygen molecules at 47C
[CPMT 1985; MP PET 1997; RPET 1999; AIEEE 2002]
(a) 20 K (b) 80 K (c) 73 K (d) 3 K

3RTO2 TH 2
Solution : (a) For oxygen vO2 and For hydrogen vH 2 3R
M O2 M H2

3RTO2 TH 2
According to problem 3R
M O2 M H2

TO2 TH 2 47 273 TH 2 320

TH 2 2 20K .
M O2 M H2 32 2 32

Problem 32. Cooking gas containers are kept in a lorry moving with uniform speed. The temperature
of the gas molecules inside will
[AIEEE 2002]

(a) Increase (b) Decrease

(c) Remain same (d) Decrease for some, while increase for
others
Solution : (c) If a lorry is moving with constant velocity then the vrms of gas molecule inside the container
2
will not change and we know that T vrms . So temperature remains same.

Problem 33. The speeds of 5 molecules of a gas (in arbitrary units) are as follows : 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. The
root mean square speed for these molecules is
[MP PMT 2000]
(a) 2.91 (b) 3.52 (c) 4.00 (d) 4.24
2 2 2 2 2
Solution : (d) v v1 v2 v3 v4 v5 22 32 4 2 52 62 100
20 4.24
rms 5
5 5
Problem 34. Gas at a pressure P0 in contained as a vessel. If the masses of all the molecules are halved
and their speeds are doubled, the resulting pressure P will be equal to
[NCERT 1984; MNR 1995; MP PET 1997; MP PMT 1997; RPET 1999; UPSEAT 1999, 2000]

P0
(a) 4P0 (b) 2P0 (c) P0 (d)
2
2 2
1 mN 2 P2 m2 v2 m / 2 2v
Solution : (b) P vrms P 2
mvrms so 1 1 2 P2 2P1 2P0
3 V P1 m1 v1 m1 v1

Problem 35. Let v, vrms and vmp respectively denote the mean speed, root mean square speed and
most probable speed of the molecules in an ideal monoatomic gas at absolute temperature
T. The mass of a molecule is m. Then
genius PHYSICS by Pradeep Kshetrapal

17 Kinetic Theory of Gases

[IIT-JEE 1998]

(a) No molecule can have speed greater than 2 vrms

(b) No molecule can have speed less than vmp/ 2
(c) vmp v vrms
3 2
(d) The average kinetic energy of a molecule is mvmp
4
3RT 8 RT RT
Solution : (c, d) We know that vrms , vav and vmp 2
M M M
vrms : vav : vmp 3: 2.5 : 2 so vmp vav vrms

vrms 3 2 3 2 1 2 1 3 2
and or vrms vmp Average kinetic energy mvrms m vmp
vmp 2 2 2 2 2
3 2
mvmp .
4
Problem 36. The root mean square speed of the molecules of a diatomic gas is v. When the
temperature is doubled, the molecules dissociate into two atoms. The new root mean square
speed of the atom is [Roorkee 1996]

(a) 2v (b) v (c) 2v (d) 4v

3RT
Solution : (c) vrms . According to problem T will becomes T/2 and M will becomes M/2 so the value
M
of vrms will increase by 4 2 times i.e. new root mean square velocity will be 2v.
Problem 37. The molecules of a given mass of a gas have a rms velocity of 200 m/sec at 27C and
1.0 105 N / m2 pressure. When the temperature is 127C and pressure is 0.5 105 N / m2 ,
the rms velocity in m/sec will be
[AIIMS 1985; MP PET 1992]

100 2 400
(a) (b) 100 2 (c) (d) None of these
3 3
Solution : (c) Change in pressure will not affect the rms velocity of molecules. So we will calculate only the
effect of temperature.
v300o 300 3 200 3
As vrms T
v400o 400 4 v400 4
200 2 400
v400 m/s .
3 3
Problem 38. Which of the following statement is true [IIT-JEE 1981]

(a) Absolute zero degree temperature is not zero energy temperature

(b) Two different gases at the same temperature pressure have equal root mean square
velocities
(c) The rms speed of the molecules of different ideal gases, maintained at the same
temperature are the same
(d) Given sample of 1cc of hydrogen and 1cc of oxygen both at N.T.P.; oxygen sample has a
large number of molecules
Solution : (a) At absolute temperature kinetic energy of gas molecules becomes zero but they possess
potential energy so we can say that absolute zero degree temperature is not zero energy
temperature.
genius Kinetic Theory of Gases 18

Problem 39. The ratio of rms speeds of the gases in the mixture of nitrogen oxygen will be
(a) 1 : 1 (b) 3 :1 (c) 8: 7 (d) 6: 7

3RT vN2 M O2 32 8
Solution : (c) vrms
M vO2 M N2 28 7

Problem 40. A vessel is partitioned in two equal halves by a fixed diathermic separator. Two different
ideal gases are filled in left (L) and right (R) halves. The rms speed of the molecules in L part
is equal to the mean speed of molecules in the R part. Then the ratio of the mass of a
molecule in L part to that of a molecule in R part is

3
(a)
2
(b) /4 L R

(c) 2/ 3

(d) 3 / 8

3KT
Solution : (d) Root means square velocity of molecule in left part vrms
mL

8 KT
Mean or average speed of molecule in right part vav
mR

3KT 8 KT 3 8 mL 3
According to problem .
mL mR mL mR mR 8
Problem 41. An ideal gas ( = 1.5) is expanded adiabatically. How many times has the gas to be
expanded to reduce the root mean square velocity of molecules 2 times
(a) 4 times (b) 16 times (c) 8 times (d) 2 times
Solution : (b) To reduce the rms velocity two times, temperature should be reduced by four times (As
vrms T )

T
T1 T T2 , V1 V
4
1 1
V2 T V2
From adiabatic law TV 1
constant we get
1 4 (4) 1 [ =
V1 T2 V1
3/2 given]
1 V2
V V (4)3 / 2 1 V1 (4)2 16V1 16
2 1 V1
11.8 Kinetic Energy of Ideal Gas.
Molecules of ideal gases possess only translational motion. So they possess only
translational kinetic energy.

Quantity of gas Kinetic energy

Kinetic energy of a gas molecule (Emolecule) 1 1 3kT 3
2 m
mvrms kT
2 2 m 2
genius PHYSICS by Pradeep Kshetrapal

19 Kinetic Theory of Gases

3kT
As vrms
m

Kinetic energy of 1 mole (M gram) gas (Emole) 1 1 3RT 3

2
M vrms M RT
2 2 M 2

3RT
As vrms
M

Kinetic energy of 1 gm gas (Egram) 3 R 3 k NA 3k 3

T T T rT
2M 2 mN A 2m 2

Here m = mass of each molecule, M = Molecular weight of gas and NA = Avogadro number =
6.023 1023

Important points
(1) Kinetic energy per molecule of gas does not depends upon the mass of the molecule but
only depends upon the temperature of the gas.
3
As E kT or E T i.e. molecules of different gases say He, H2 and O2 etc. at same
2
temperature will have same translational kinetic energy though their rms speed are different.
3kT
vrms
m

(2) Kinetic energy per mole of gas depends only upon the temperature of gas.
(3) Kinetic energy per gram of gas depend upon the temperature as well as molecular
weight (or mass of one molecule) of the gas.
3k T
E gram T E gram
2m m
From the above expressions it is clear that higher the temperature of the gas, more will be
the average kinetic energy possessed by the gas molecules at T = 0, E = 0 i.e. at absolute zero
the molecular motion stops.
Sample Problems based on Kinetic energy
Problem 42. Read the given statements and decide which is/are correct on the basis of kinetic theory
of gases [MP PMT 2003]
(I) Energy of one molecule at absolute temperature is zero
(II) rms speeds of different gases are same at same temperature
(III) For one gram of all ideal gas kinetic energy is same at same temperature
(IV)For one mole of all ideal gases mean kinetic energy is same at same temperature
(a) All are correct (b) I and IV are correct (c) IV is correct (d) None of these
Solution : (c) If the gas is not ideal then its molecule will possess potential energy. Hence statement (I) is
wrong.
rms speed of different gases at same temperature depends on its molecular weight
1
vrms . Hence statement (II) also wrong.

M
genius Kinetic Theory of Gases 20

1
Kinetic energy of one gram gas depends on the molecular weight E gm . Hence statement
M
(III) also wrong.
3
But K.E. of one mole of ideal gas does not depends on the molecular weight E RT .
2
Hence (IV) is correct.
Problem 43. At which of the following temperature would the molecules of a gas have twice the
average kinetic energy they have at 20C
[MP PET 1992; BVP 2003]
(a) 40C (b) 80C (c) 313C (d) 586C
E 2 T2 2E1 T2
Solution : (c) ET T2 293 2 586K 313C .
E1 T1 E1 (20 273)
Problem 44. A vessel contains a mixture of one mole of oxygen and two moles of nitrogen at 300 K.
The ratio of the average rotational kinetic energy per O 2 molecule to that per N2
molecule is [IIT-JEE 1998; DPMT 2000]
(a) 1 : 1
(b) 1 : 2
(c) 2 : 1
(d) Depends on the moments of inertia of the two molecules
1
Solution : (a) Kinetic energy per degree of freedom kT
2
As diatomic gas possess two degree of freedom for rotational motion therefore rotational
1
K.E. 2 kT kT
2
In the problem both gases (oxygen and nitrogen) are diatomic and have same temperature
(300 K) therefore ratio of average rotational kinetic energy will be equal to one.
Problem 45. A gas mixture consists of molecules of type 1, 2 and 3 with molar masses m1 m2 m3 .
vrms and K are the rms speed and average kinetic energy of the gases. Which of the
following is true [AMU (Engg.) 2000]

(a) (vrms)1 (vrms)2 (vrms)3 and (K )1 (K )2 (K )3 (b)

(vrms)1 (vrms)2 (vrms)3 and (K )1 (K )2 (K )3
(c) (vrms)1 (vrms)2 (vrms)3 and (K )1 (K )2 (K )3 (d)
(vrms)1 (vrms)2 (vrms)3 and (K )1 (K )2 (K )3
1
Solution : (a) The rms speed depends upon the molecular mass vrms but kinetic energy does not
M
depends on it E M 0

In the problem m1 m2 m3 (vrms)1 (vrms)2 (vrms)3 but (K 1 ) (K 2 ) (K 3 )

Problem 46. The kinetic energy of one gram mole of a gas at normal temperature and pressure is (R
= 8.31 J/mole-K)
[AFMC 1998; MH CET 1999; Pb. PMT 2000]

(a) 0.56 104 J (b) 1.3 102 J (c) 2.7 102 J (d) 3.4 103 J
3 3
Solution : (d) E RT 8.31 273 3.4 103 Joule
2 2
genius PHYSICS by Pradeep Kshetrapal

21 Kinetic Theory of Gases

Problem 47. The average translational kinetic energy of O2 (molar mass 32) molecules at a particular
temperature is 0.048 eV. The translational kinetic energy of N 2 (molar mass 28) molecules in
eV at the same temperature is
[IIT-JEE 1997 Re-Exam]
(a) 0.0015 (b) 0.003 (c) 0.048 (d) 0.768
Solution : (c) Average translational kinetic energy does not depends upon the molar mass of the gas.
Different gases will possess same average translational kinetic energy at same temperature.
Problem 48. The average translational energy and the rms speed of molecules in a sample of oxygen
gas at 300 K are 6.21 1021J and 484 m/s respectively. The corresponding values at 600
K are nearly (assuming ideal gas behaviour)
[IIT-JEE 1997 Cancelled]

(a) 12.42 1021 J , 968m / s (b) 8.78 1021 J , 684m / s

(c) 6.21 1021 J , 968m / s (d)

12.42 1021 J , 684m / s

Solution : (d) E T but vrms T

i.e. if temperature becomes twice then energy will becomes two time i.e. 2 6.21 1021 =
12.42 1021 J
But rms speed will become 2 times i.e. 484 2 684m/s .

Problem 49. A box containing N molecules of a perfect gas at temperature T1 and pressure P1 . The
number of molecules in the box is doubled keeping the total kinetic energy of the gas same
as before. If the new pressure is P2 and temperature T2 , then
[MP PMT 1992]

T1
(a) P2 P1 , T2 T1 (b) P2 P1 , T2 (c) P2 2P1 , T2 T1 (d) P2 2P1 ,
2
T1
T2
2
3
Solution : (b) Kinetic energy of N molecule of gas E NkT
2
3 3
Initially E1 N1kT1 and finally E 2 N 2kT2
2 2
3 3 T
But according to problem E1 E 2 and N 2 2N 1 N1kT1 (2N1 )kT2 T2 1
2 2 2
3 3
Since the kinetic energy constant N1kT1 N 2kT2 N 1T1 N 2T2 NT = constant
2 2
From ideal gas equation of N molecule PV NkT

P1V1 P2 V2 P1 P2 [As V1 V2 and NT = constant]

Problem 50. Three closed vessels A, B and C are at the same temperature T and contain gases which
obey the Maxwellian distribution of velocities. Vessel A contains only O2 , B only N 2 and C
a mixture of equal quantities of O2 and N 2 . If the average speed of the O2 molecules in
genius Kinetic Theory of Gases 22

vessel A is V1 , that of the N 2 molecules in vessel B is V2 , the average speed of the O2

molecules in vessel C is (where M is the mass of an oxygen molecule) [IIT-JEE 1992]

(a) (V1 V2) / 2 (b) V1 (c) (V1V2)1 / 2 (d) 3kT / M

8kT
Solution : (b) Average speed of gas molecule vav . It depends on temperature and molecular
m
mass. So the average speed of oxygen will be same in vessel A and vessel C and that is
equal to V1 .

Problem 51. The graph which represent the variation of mean kinetic energy of molecules with
temperature tC is

(a) (b) (c) (d)

E E E E

3 3
Solution : (c) Mean K.E. of gas molecule E kT k(t 273) where T = temperature is in kelvin and t
t 2 2
t t t
= is in centigrade

3 3
E k t 273k k = Boltzmann's constant
2 2
By comparing this equation with standard equation of straight line y mx c

3 3
We get m k and c 273k . So the graph between E and t will be straight line with
2 2
positive intercept on E-axis and positive slope with t-axis.

11.9 Gas Laws.

(1) Boyles law : For a given mass of an ideal gas at constant temperature, the volume of a
gas is inversely proportional to its pressure.
1
i.e. V or PV = constant or P1V1 P2V2 [If m and T are constant]
P

m m
(i) PV = P constant [As volume ]

P 1 P P
constantor 2 [As m = constant]
1 2

N N N
(ii) PV = P constant [As number of molecules per unit volume n V
n V n
]

P P1 P2
constantor [As N = constant]
n n1 n2

1 mN 2
(iii) According to kinetic theory of gases P vrms
3 V
genius PHYSICS by Pradeep Kshetrapal

23 Kinetic Theory of Gases

massof gas
P T [As vrms T and mN = Mass of gas]
V

1
If mass and temperature of gas remain constant then P . This is in accordance with
V
Boyles law.
(iv) Graphical representation : If m and T are constant

P PV PV P V

V P V 1/V 1/P

Sample Problems based on Boyle's law

Problem 52. At constant temperature on increasing the pressure of a gas by 5% will decrease its
volume by [MP PET 2002]

(a) 5% (b) 5.26% (c) 4.26% (d) 4.76%

Solution : (d) If P1 P then P2 P 5% of P = 1.05 P

V2 P P 100
From Boyles law PV = constant 1
V1 P2 1.05P 105

V V2 V1 100 105 5
Fractional change in volume
V V1 105 105

V 5
Percentage change in volume 100% 100% 4.76% i.e. volume decrease by
V 105
4.76%.
Problem 53. A cylinder contained 10 kg of gas at pressure 107 N / m2 . The quantity of gas taken out
of cylinder if final pressure is 2.5 106 N / m is (assume the temperature of gas is constant)
[EAMCET (Med.) 1998]

(a) Zero (b) 7.5 kg (c) 2.5 kg (d) 5 kg

P1 m1
Solution : (b) At constant temperature for the given volume of gas
P2 m2

107 10 2.5 106 10

m2 2.5 kg
2.5 106 m2 107
The quantity of gas taken out of the cylinder = 10 2.5 = 7.5 kg.
Problem 54. If a given mass of gas occupies a volume of 10 cc at 1 atmospheric pressure and
temperature of 100C (373.15 K). What will be its volume at 4 atmospheric pressure; the
temperature being the same [NCERT 1977]

(a) 100 cc (b) 400 cc (c) 2.5 cc (d) 104 cc

genius Kinetic Theory of Gases 24

V2 P
1 V2 10 2.5 cc
1 1
Solution : (c) P
V V1 P2 4

Problem 55. An air bubble of volume V0 is released by a fish at a depth h in a lake. The bubble rises
to the surface. Assume constant temperature and standard atmospheric pressure P above
the lake. The volume of the bubble just before touching the surface will be (density of water
is )
V0
gh
(a) V0 (b) V0 ( gh/ P ) (c) gh (d) V0 1
1 P
P
Solution : (d) According to Boyles law multiplication of pressure and volume will remains constant at the
bottom and top.
If P is the atmospheric pressure at the top of the lake P2V2
and the volume of bubble is V then from P1V1 P2V2

h
P h g
(P h g)V0 PV V V0
P
(P1 V1)
gh
V V0 1
P

Problem 56. The adjoining figure shows graph of pressure and volume of a gas at two temperatures
T1 and T2 . Which of the following interferences is correct
P

(a) T1 T2 p

(b) T1 T2 T2
T1
V
(c) T1 T2 V1 V2
(d) No interference can be drawn
Solution : (c) For a given pressure, volume will be more if temperature is more (Charles law)
From the graph it is clear that V2 > V1
T2 > T1

(2) Charle's law

(i) If the pressure remains constant, the volume of the given mass of a gas increases or
1
decreases by of its volume at 0C for each 1C rise or fall
273.15 Vt
in temperature.
V0
1
Vt V0 1 t . This is Charles law for
273.15
t(C)
centigrade scale. 273.15 O

(ii) If the pressure remaining constant, the volume of the given mass of a gas is directly
proportional to its absolute temperature.
genius PHYSICS by Pradeep Kshetrapal

25 Kinetic Theory of Gases

V V1 V2
V T or constant or [If m and P are constant]
T T1 T2
V m m
(iii) constant [As volume V ]
T T

or T constant or 1T1 2T2 [As m = constant]

1 mN 2
(iv) According to kinetic theory of gases P vrms
3 V
Massof gas
or P T
V
If mass and pressure of the gas remains constant then V T. This is in accordance with
Charles law.
(v) Graphical representation : If m and P are constant

V/T V/T
V 1/V V

T T T or 1/T V or 1/V
1/T
Sample problems based on Charle's law [All temperature T are in
kelvin]
Problem 57. A perfect gas at 27C is heated at constant pressure to 327C. If original volume of gas
at 27C is V then volume at 327C is
[CPMT 2002]

(a) V (b) 3V (c) 2V (d) V/2

V2 T2 327 273 600
Solution : (c) From Charles law V T 2 V2 2V.
V1 T1 27 273 300

Problem 58. Hydrogen gas is filled in a balloon at 20C. If temperature is made 40C, pressure
remaining same, what fraction of hydrogen will come out
[MP PMT 2002]

(a) 0.07 (b) 0.25 (c) 0.5 (d) 0.75

V2 T2 313
Solution : (a) As V T V2 V1
V1 T1 293

313
V1 V1
Fraction of gas comes out V2 V1 293 20 .
0.07
V1 V1 293

Problem 59. The expansion of unit mass of a perfect gas at constant pressure is shown in the
diagram. Here

a
(a) a = volume, b = C temperature
O
b
genius Kinetic Theory of Gases 26

(b) a = volume, b = K temperature

(c) a = C temperature, b = volume
(d) a = K temperature, b = volume
Solution : (c) In the given graph line have a positive slop with X-axis and negative intercept on Y-axis.
So we can write the equation of line y = mx c ...... (i)
V0
According to Charles law Vt t V0 , by rewriting this equation we get
273
273
t Vt 273 ......(ii)
V0
By comparing (i) and (ii) we can say that time is represented on Y-axis and volume in X-axis.
Problem 60. A gas is filled in the cylinder shown in the figure. The two pistons are joined by a string. If
the gas is heated, the pistons will

(a) Move towards left Gas

(b) Move towards right

(c) Remain stationary

(d) None of these

Solution : (b) When temperature of gas increases it expands. As the cross-sectional area of right piston is
more, therefore greater force will work on it (because F = PA). So piston will move towards
right.
Problem 61. An ideal gas is initially at a temperature T and volume V. Its volume is increased by V
V
due to an increase in temperature T, pressure remaining constant. The quantity
VT
varies with temperature as

(a) (b) (c) (d)

Solution : (c) From ideal gas equation PVT= RT ..(i)

T T + T T + T T T + T T T + T
or (Temp. K) P V RT(Temp. K) ..(ii) (Temp. K) (Temp. K)

V T V 1
Dividing equation (ii) by (i) we get (given)
V T VT T
1
. So the graph between and T will be rectangular hyperbola.
T

(3) Gay-Lussacs law or pressure law

(i) The volume remaining constant, the pressure of a given mass of a gas increases or
1
decreases by of its pressure at 0C for each 1C rise
273.15
Pt
or fall in temperature.

P0

t(C)
273.15 O
genius PHYSICS by Pradeep Kshetrapal

27 Kinetic Theory of Gases

1
Pt P0 1 t
273.15
This is pressure law for centigrade scale.
(ii) The volume remaining constant, the pressure of a given mass of a gas is directly
proportional to its absolute temperature.

P P1 P2
PT or constantor [If m and V are constant]
T T1 T2
1 mN 2 2
(iii) According to kinetic theory of gases P vrms [As vrms T]
3 V
massof gas
or P T
V
If mass and volume of gas remains constant then P T. This is in accordance with Gay
Lussacs law.
(4) Graphical representation : If m and V are constants

P P/T P/T 1/P P

T T or 1/T P or 1/P T 1/T

Sample problems based on Gay Lussac's law

[All temperature T are in
kelvin]
Problem 62. On 0C pressure measured by barometer is 760 mm. What will be pressure on 100C
[AFMC 2002]
(a) 760 mm (b) 730 mm (c) 780 mm (d) None of these
P2 T2 100 273 373 373
Solution : (d) From Gay Lussacs law P2 760 1038mm.
P1 T1 0 273 273 273

Problem 63. If pressure of a gas contained in a closed vessel is increased by 0.4% when heated by
1C, the initial temperature must be
[NCERT 1982; EAMCET (Engg.) 1995; RPMT 1996; MP PET 1999]
(a) 250 K (b) 250C (c) 2500 K (d) 25C
0.4 P
Solution : (a) P1 P , T1 = T , P2 P (0.4% of P) P PP T2 T 1
100 250

P1 T1 P T

From Gay Lussac's law P T 1 [As V = constant for closed
P2 T2 P
250
vessel]
By solving we get T = 250 K.
Problem 64. Pressure versus temperature graph of an ideal gas of equal number of moles of different
volumes are plotted as shown in figure. Choose the correct alternative
P 4
(a) V1 V2, V3 V4 and V2 V3
3 2

T
genius Kinetic Theory of Gases 28

(b) V1 V2, V3 V4 and V2 V3

(c) V1 V2 V3 V4

(d) V4 V3 V2 V1
R
Solution : (a) From ideal gas equation PV RT P T
V P V=
Comparing this equation with y mx constant

R 1
Slope of line tan m i.e. V
V tan
T
It means line of smaller slope represent greater volume of gas.
For the given problem figure
Point 1 and 2 are on the same line so they will represent same volume i.e. V1 V2

Similarly point 3 and 4 are on the same line so they will represent same volume i.e. V3 V4

But V1 V3 (= V4 ) or V2 V3 (= V4 ) as slope of line 1-2 is less than 3-4.

(5) Avogadros law : Equal volume of all the gases under similar conditions of temperature
and pressure contain equal number of molecules.
1 2
According to kinetic theory of gases PV m N vrms
3
1 2
For first gas, PV m1 N1 vrms
(1)
3
..(i)
1 2
For second gas, PV m2 N 2 vrms
(2)
3
..(ii)
2 2
From (i) and (ii) 1 m2 N 2 vrms2
m1 N1 vrms
..(iii)
1 2 1 2 3
As the two gases are at the same temperature m1 vrms1 m2 vrms2 kT
2 2 2
2 2
1 m2 vrms2
m1 vrms ..(iv)

So from equation (iii) we can say that N1 N 2 . This is Avogadros law.

(i) Avogadros number (NA) : The number of molecules present in 1 gm mole of a gas is
defined as Avogadro number.

N A 6.023 1023 per gm mole 6.023 1026 per kg mole.

(ii) At S.T.P. or N.T.P. (T = 273 K and P = 1 atm) 22.4 litre of each gas has 6.023 1023
molecule.
(iii) One mole of any gas at S.T.P. occupy 22.4 litre of volume
Example : 32 gm oxygen, 28 gm nitrogen and 2gm hydrogen occupy the same volume at
S.T.P.
genius PHYSICS by Pradeep Kshetrapal

29 Kinetic Theory of Gases

(iv) For any gas 1 mole = M gram = 22.4 litre = 6.023 1023 molecule.

Sample problems based on Avogadro's Law

Problem 65. Temperature of an ideal gas is T K and average kinetic energy is E 2.07 1023 T
Joule/molecule. Number of molecules in 1 litre gas at S.T.P. will be
[CPMT 1994]

(a) 2.68 1022 (b) 2.68 1025 (c) 2.68 1028 (d) 1.68 1022

Solution : (a) As we know that at S.T.P. 22.4 litre of gas contains 6.023 1023 molecules

6.023 1023
1 litre of gas contain 2.68 1022 molecules.
22.4

Problem 66. The average kinetic energy per molecule of helium gas at temperature T is E and the
molar gas constant is R, then Avogadros number is

RT 3RT E 3RT
(a) (b) (c) (d)
2E E 2RT 2E
3 2E
Solution : (d) Average kinetic energy per unit molecule E kT k
2 3T
R R 3RT
But Avagadro number N A NA .
k (2E / 3T ) 2E
Problem 67. One mole of a gas filled in a container at N.T.P., the number of molecules in 1 cm3 of
volume will be
(a) 6.02 1023 / 22400(b) 6.02 1023 (c) 1/22400 (d) 6.02 1023 / 76

Solution : (a) Number of molecule in 22.4 litre gas at N.T.P. 6.023 1023

or number of molecule in 22.4 103 cm3 6.023 1023 [As 22.4 litre
3 3
22.4 10 cm ]

6.023 1023
Number of molecules in 1cm3 .
22400

(6) Grahms law of diffusion : When two gases at the same pressure and temperature are
allowed to diffuse into each other, the rate of diffusion of each gas is inversely proportional to
the square root of the density of the gas.
3P 1
We know vrms or vrms

and rate of diffusion of a gas is proportional to its rms velocity i.e., r vrms

1 r1 2
r
or
r2 1
(7) Daltons law of partial pressure : The total pressure exerted by a mixture of non-
reacting gases occupying a vessel is equal to the sum of the individual pressures which each
gases exert if it alone occupied the same volume at a given temperature.
genius Kinetic Theory of Gases 30

For n gases P P1 P2 P3 .....Pn

where P = Pressure exerted by mixture and P1, P2 , P3 ,......Pn Partial pressure of

component gases.
Sample problems based on Dalton's law
Problem 68. The capacity of a vessel is 3 litres. It contains 6 gm oxygen, 8 gm nitrogen and 5 gm
CO2 mixture at 27C. If R = 8.31 J/mole kelvin, then the pressure in the vessel in N / m2
will be (approx.)
(a) 5 105 (b) 5 104 (c) 106 (d) 105

1RT 2 RT 3 RT RT RT m1 m2 m3
Solution : (a) Daltons law P P1 P2 P3 [ 1 2 3 ]
V V V V V M1 M 2 M 3

8.31 300 6 8 5 3~ 3~ 5 2

3 32 28 44
498 10 500 10 5 10 N/m .
3 10
Problem 69. Two gases occupy two containers A and B the gas in A, of volume 0.10m3 , exerts a
pressure of 1.40 MPa and that in B of volume 0.15m3 exerts a pressure 0.7 MPa. The two
containers are united by a tube of negligible volume and the gases are allowed to
intermingle. Then it the temperature remains constant, the final pressure in the container
will be (in MPa)
(a) 0.70 (b) 0.98 (c) 1.40 (d) 2.10
Solution : (b) As the quantity of gas remains constant A B

PA VA PB VB P(VA VB ) PA VA PB VB 1.4 0.1 0.7 0.15

P
RT RT RT VA VB 0.1 0.15
P 0.98 MPa .

Problem 70. The temperature, pressure and volume of two gases X and Y are T, P and V respectively.
When the gases are mixed then the volume and temperature of mixture become V and T
respectively. The pressure and mass of the mixture will be
(a) 2P and 2M (b) P and M (c) P and 2M (d) 2P and M
Solution : (a) From Daltons law, Pressure of mixture P1 P2 P P 2P
Similarly mass also will become double i.e. 2M.
Problem 71. A closed vessel contains 8g of oxygen and 7g of nitrogen. The total pressure is 10 atm at
a given temperature. If now oxygen is absorbed by introducing a suitable absorbent the
pressure of the remaining gas in atm will be
(a) 2 (b) 10 (c) 4 (d) 5
Solution : (d) From Daltons law final pressure of the mixture of nitrogen and oxygen

1RT 2 RT m1 RT m2 RT 8 RT 7 RT RT RT
P P1 P2 10
V V M1 V M2 V 32 V 28 V 2V 2V
..(i)
7 RT RT
When oxygen is absorbed then for nitrogen let pressure is P P
28 V 4V
..(ii)
From equation (i) and (ii) we get pressure of the nitrogen P 5 atm.
genius PHYSICS by Pradeep Kshetrapal

31 Kinetic Theory of Gases

1 mN 2
(8) Ideal gas equation : From kinetic theory of gases P vrms
3 V
(massof gas)T
P 2
[As vrms T]
V
If mass of gas is constant then PV T or PV = RT. This is ideal gas equation.
11.10 Degree of Freedom.
The term degree of freedom of a system refers to the possible independent motions,
systems can have. or
The total number of independent modes (ways) in which a system can possess energy is called the
degree of freedom (f).
The independent motions can be translational, rotational or vibrational or any combination
of these.
So the degree of freedom are of three types : (i) Translational degree of freedom
(ii) Rotational degree of freedom
(iii) Vibrational degree of freedom
General expression for degree of freedom
f = 3A B ; where A = Number of independent particles, B = Number of
independent restriction
(1) Monoatomic gas : Molecule of monoatomic gas can move in any y
direction in space so it can have three independent motions and hence 3 vy
degrees of freedom (all translational) v vx
x
vz

(2) Diatomic gas : Molecules of diatomic gas are made up of two y

atoms joined rigidly to one another through a bond. This cannot only move
bodily, but also rotate about one of the three co-ordinate axes. However its
moment of inertia about the axis joining the two atoms is negligible x

compared to that about the other two axes. Hence it can have only two
z
rotational motion. Thus a diatomic molecule has 5 degree of freedom : 3
translational and 2 rotational.
(3) Triatomic gas (Non-linear) : A non-linear molecule can rotate y
about any of three co-ordinate axes. Hence it has 6 degrees of freedom : 3
translational and 3 rotational.
x

(4) Tabular display of degree of freedom of different gases

Atomicity of Example A B f = 3A B Figure

gas
genius Kinetic Theory of Gases 32

Monoatomic He, Ne, Ar 1 0 f=3 A

Diatomic H2, O2 2 1 f=5 B

A A

Triatomic non A
H2O 3 3 f=6
linear B B

A B A

Triatomic linear CO2, BeCl2 3 2 f=7 A

A A
B B

Note : The above degrees of freedom are shown at room temperature. Further at high
temperature, in case of diatomic or polyatomic molecules, the atoms with in the
molecule may also vibrate with respect to each other. In such cases, the molecule will
have an additional degrees of freedom, due to vibrational motion.
An object which vibrates in one dimension has two additional degree of freedom.
One for the potential energy and one for the kinetic energy of vibration.
A diatomic molecule that is free to vibrate (in addition to translation and rotation) will
have 7 (2 + 3 + 2) degrees of freedom.
An atom in a solid though has no degree of freedom for translational and rotational
motion, due to vibration along 3 axes has 3 2 = 6 degrees of freedom (and not like
an ideal gas molecule). When a diatomic or polyatomic gas dissociates into atoms it
behaves as monoatomic gas whose degree of freedom are changed accordingly.
11.11 Law of Equipartition of Energy.
For any system in thermal equilibrium, the total energy is equally distributed among its
various degree of freedom. And the energy associated with each molecule of the system per
1
degree of freedom of the system is kT .
2
where k 1.38 1023 J / K , T = absolute temperature of the system.
If the system possess degree of freedom f then
f
Total energy associated with each molecule kT
2
f
Total energy associated with N molecules N kT
2
f
Total energy associated with each mole RT
2
f
Total energy associated with mole RT
2
f
Total energy associated with each gram rT
2
f
Total energy associated with M0 gram M0 rT
2

Sample problems based on Law of equipartition of energy

genius PHYSICS by Pradeep Kshetrapal

33 Kinetic Theory of Gases

3
Problem 72. Energy of all molecules of a monoatomic gas having a volume V and pressure P is PV .
2
The total translational kinetic energy of all molecules of a diatomic gas as the same volume
and pressure is [UPSEAT 2002]

1 3 5
(a) PV (b) PV (c) PV (d) 3 PV
2 2 2
f f
Solution : (b) Energy of 1 mole of gas RT PV where f = Degree of freedom
2 2
Monoatomic or diatomic both gases posses equal degree of freedom for translational motion
3
and that is equal to 3 i.e. f = 3 E PV
2
3
Although total energy will be different, For monoatomic gas E total PV [As f = 3]
2
5
For diatomic gas E total PV [As f = 5]
2
Problem 73. The temperature of argon, kept in a vessel is raised by 1C at a constant volume. The
total heat supplied to the gas is a combination of translational and rotational energies. Their
respective shares are [BHU 2000]
(a) 60% and 40% (b) 40% and 60% (c) 50% and 50% (d) 100% and 0%

Solution : (d) As argon is a monoatomic gas therefore its molecule will possess only translatory kinetic
energy i.e. the share of translational and rotational energies will be 100% and 0%
respectively.

Problem 74. CO2(O C O) is a triatomic gas. Mean kinetic energy of one gram gas will be (If N-
Avogadro's number, k-Boltzmann's constant and molecular weight of CO 2 44 )

(a) 3 / 88NkT (b) 5 / 88NkT (c) 6 / 88NkT (d) 7 / 88NkT

f
Solution : (d) Mean kinetic energy for mole gas . RT
2

7 m 7 1 7 7
E RT NkT NkT NkT [As f = 7 and M = 44 for
2 M 2 44 2
88
CO 2 ]

Problem 75. At standard temperature and pressure the density of a gas is 1.3 gm/ m3 and the speed
of the sound in gas is 330 m/sec. Then the degree of freedom of the gas will be

(a) 3 (b) 4 (c) 5 (d) 6

m kg
Solution : (c) Given velocity of sound vs 330 , Density of gas 1.3 , Atomic pressure
sec m3
N
P 1.01 105
m2
genius Kinetic Theory of Gases 34

P
Substituting these value in vsound we get 1.41

2 2 2
Now from 1 we get f 5.
f 1 1.4 1

11.12 Mean Free Path.

The molecules of a gas move with high speeds at a given temperature but even then a
molecule of the gas takes a very long time to go from one point to another point in the container
of the gas. This is due to the fact that a gas molecule suffers a
number of collisions with other gas molecules surrounding it. As a
result of these collisions, the path followed by a gas molecule in
the container of the gas is zig-zag as shown in the figure. During
two successive collisions, a molecule of a gas moves in a straight
line with constant velocity and the distance travelled by a gas
molecule between two successive collisions is known as free path.
The distance travelled by a gas molecule between two successive collisions is not constant
and hence the average distance travelled by a molecule during all collisions is to be calculated.
This average distance travelled by a gas molecule is known as mean free path.

Let 1,2,3,...n be the distance travelled by a gas molecule during n collisions

1 2 3 .... n
respectively, then the mean free path of a gas molecule is given by
n
1
(1) ; where d = Diameter of the molecule, n = Number of molecules per unit
2nd2
volume
N P
(2) As PV = RT = NkT n Number of molecule per unit volume
V kT
1 kT
So 2
2 d P

1 m m
(3) From [As mn = Mass per unit volume = Density =
2nd 2
2 (mn)d 2
2d 2
]
(4) If average speed of molecule is v then
t
v v T [As N = Number of collision in time t, T = time interval between
N
two collisions]

Important points
genius PHYSICS by Pradeep Kshetrapal

35 Kinetic Theory of Gases

m 1
(i) As i.e. the mean free path is inversely proportional to the density of
2d 2

a gas.
1 kT
(ii) As 2 . For constant volume and hence constant number density n of gas
2 d P

P
molecules, is constant so that will not depend on P and T. But if volume of given mass of a
T
1
gas is allowed to change with P or T then T at constant pressure and at constant
P
temperature.

Sample Problems based on Mean free path

Problem 76. If the mean free path of atoms is doubled then the pressure of gas will become
[RPMT 2000]

(a) P / 4 (b) P / 2 (c) P / 8 (d) P

1 kT 1
Solution : (b) As 2 P i.e. by increasing two times pressure will become half.
2 d P

Problem 77. The mean free path of nitrogen molecules at a pressure of 1.0 atm and temperature 0C
is 0.8 107 m . If the number of density of molecules is 2.7 1025 perm3 , then the
molecular diameter is
(a) 3.2nm (b) 3.2 (c) 3.2m (d) 2.3mm

Solution : (b) Mean free path 0.8 107 m number of molecules per unit volume n 2.7 1025 per
m3
1
Substituting these value in we get d 1.04 1019 3.2 1010 m 3.2
2nd2

11.13 Specific heat or Specific Heat Capacity.

It characterises the nature of the substance in response to the heat supplied to the
substance. Specific heat can be defined by two following ways : Gram specific heat and Molar
specific heat.
(1) Gram specific heat : Gram specific heat of a substance may be defined as the amount
of heat required to raise the temperature of unit mass of the substance by unit degree.
Q
Gram specific heat c
mT
cal cal Joule
Units : , ,
gm C gm kelvin kg kelvin

Dimension : [L2T 2 1 ]
genius Kinetic Theory of Gases 36

(2) Molar specific heat : Molar specific heat of a substance may be defined as the amount
of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram mole of the substance by a unit degree, it
is represented by capital (C)
Q
C
T

calorie calorie Joule

Units : , or
mole C mole kelvin mole kelvin

Important points
M Q 1 Q m
(1) C Mc
m T T As M

i.e. molar specific heat of the substance is M times the gram specific heat, where M is the molecular
weight of that substance.
cal
(2) Specific heat for hydrogen is maximum c 3.5 .
gm C

cal
(3) In liquids, water has maximum specific heat c 1 .
gm C

(4) Specific heat of a substance also depends on the state of substance i.e. solid, liquid or
gas.
cal cal cal
Example : cice 0.5 , cwater 1 , csteam 0.47
gm C gm C gm C

(5) Specific heat also depends on the conditions of the experiment i.e. the way in which heat
is supplied to the body. In general, experiments are made either at constant volume or at
constant pressure.
In case of solids and liquids, due to small thermal expansion, the difference in measured
values of specific heats is very small and is usually neglected. However, in case of gases, specific
heat at constant volume is quite different from that at constant pressure.
11.14 Specific Heat of Gases.
In case of gases, heat energy supplied to a gas is spent not only in raising the temperature
of the gas but also in expansion of gas against atmospheric pressure.
Hence specific heat of a gas, which is the amount of heat energy required to raise the
temperature of one gram of gas through a unit degree shall not have a single or unique value.
(i) If the gas is compressed suddenly and no heat is supplied from outside i.e. Q = 0, but
the temperature of the gas raises on the account of compression.
Q
C 0 i.e. C = 0
m(T )

(ii) If the gas is heated and allowed to expand at such a rate that rise in temperature due to
heat supplied is exactly equal to fall in temperature due to expansion of the gas. i.e. T = 0
Q Q
C i.e. C =
m(T ) 0
genius PHYSICS by Pradeep Kshetrapal

37 Kinetic Theory of Gases

(iii) If rate of expansion of the gas were slow, the fall in temperature of the gas due to
expansion would be smaller than the rise in temperature of the gas due to heat supplied.
Therefore, there will be some net rise in temperature of the gas i.e. T will be positive.
Q
C positive i.e. C = positive
m(T )

(iv) If the gas were to expand very fast, fall of temperature of gas due to expansion would be
greater than rise in temperature due to heat supplied. Therefore, there will be some net fall in
temperature of the gas i.e. T will be negative.
Q
C negative i.e. C = negative
m( T )

Hence the specific heat of gas can have any positive value ranging from zero to infinity.
Further it can even be negative. The exact value depends upon the mode of heating the gas. Out
of many values of specific heat of a gas, two are of special significance.
(1) Specific heat of a gas at constant volume (cv) : The specific heat of a gas at
constant volume is defined as the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of unit mass
(Q)v
of gas through 1 K when its volume is kept constant, i.e., cv
mT
If instead of unit mass, 1 mole of gas is considered, the specific heat is called molar specific
heat at constant volume and is represented by capital Cv.
M (Q)v 1 (Q)v m
C v Mcv As M
mT T
(2) Specific heat of a gas at constant pressure (cp) : The specific heat of a gas at
constant pressure is defined as the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of unit
(Q)p
mass of gas through 1 K when its pressure is kept constant, i.e., cP
mT
If instead of unit mass, 1 mole of gas is considered, the specific heat is called molar specific
heat at constant pressure and is represented by Cp.
M (Q)p 1 (Q)p m
C p MC p
mT

T As M

11.15 Mayer's Formula.

Out of two principle specific heats of a gas, Cp is more than Cv because in case of Cv, volume
of gas is kept constant and heat is required only for raising the temperature of one gram mole of
the gas through 1C or 1 K.
No heat, what so ever, is spent in expansion of the gas.
It means that heat supplied to the gas increases its internal energy only i.e.

(Q)v U Cv T ..(i)

while in case of Cp the heat is used in two ways

genius Kinetic Theory of Gases 38

(i) In increasing the temperature of the gas by T

(ii) In doing work, due to expansion at constant pressure (W)

So (Q)p U W C p T ..(ii)

From equation (i) and (ii) C p T Cv T W

T(C p C v ) PV [For constant P, W = PV]

PV
C p Cv [From PV = RT, At constant pressure PV =
T
RT]
C p Cv R

This relation is called Mayers formula and shows that C p Cv i.e. molar specific heat at
constant pressure is greater than that at constant volume.
11.16 Specific Heat in Terms of Degree of Freedom.
We know that kinetic energy of one mole of the gas, having f degrees of freedom can be
given by

f
E RT ..(i)
2

where T is the temperature of the gas but from the definition of Cv , if dE is a small amount
of heat energy required to raise the temperature of 1 gm mole of the gas at constant volume,
through a temperature dT then

dE
dE CvdT Cv dT or Cv [As = 1] ..(ii)
dT

d f f
Putting the value of E from equation (i) we get Cv RT R
dT 2 2

f
Cv R
2

f f
From the Mayers formula C p Cv R C p Cv R R R 1 R
2 2

f
C p 1 R
2

f
1 R
Cp 2 2
Ratio of Cp and Cv : 1
Cv f f
R
2
2
1
f

Important points
genius PHYSICS by Pradeep Kshetrapal

39 Kinetic Theory of Gases

(i) Value of is always more than 1. So we can say that always Cp > Cv .

(ii) Value of is different for monoatomic, diatomic and triatomic gases.

2 2 f 1
(iii) As 1 1
f f 2 1

f R
Cv 2 R 1

f 1
and C p 1 R 1 R R
2 1 1

Specific heat and kinetic energy for different gases

Monoatom Diatomic Triatomic Triatomic

ic non- linear
linear
Atomicity A 1 2 3 3
Restriction B 0 1 3 2
Degree of f = 3A B
3 5 6 7
freedom
Molar specific f R
Cv R 3 5 7
heat at constant 2 1 R R 3R R
volume 2 2 2
Molar specific f
C p 1 R R 5 7 9
heat at constant R R 4R R
2 1 2 2 2
pressure
Ratio of Cp and Cv Cp
1
2 5~ 7~ 4~ 9~
Cv f 1.66 1.4 1.33 1.28
3 5 3 7
Kinetic energy of f 3 5 7
E mole RT RT RT 3RT RT
1 mole 2 2 2 2
Kinetic energy of f 3 5 7
E molecule kT kT kT 3kT kT
1 molecule 2 2 2 2
Kinetic energy of f 3 5 7
E gram rT rT rT 3rT rT
1 gm 2 2 2 2

Sample Problems based on Specific heat

Problem 78. Find the ratio of specific heat at constant pressure to the specific heat constant volume
for NH3 [RPMT 2003]

(a) 1.33 (b) 1.44 (c) 1.28 (d) 1.67

Solution : (c) For polyatomic gas ratio of specific heat < 1.33
Because we know that as the atomicity of gas increases its value of decreases.
R
Problem 79. For a gas 0.67 . This gas is made up of molecules which are [CBSE PMT 1992; JIPMER
Cv
2001, 2002]
genius Kinetic Theory of Gases 40

(a) Diatomic (b) Mixture of diatomic and polyatomic

molecules
(c) Monoatomic (d) Polyatomic
R
Solution : (c) By comparing with relation Cv we get 1 0.67 or = 1.67 i.e. the gas is
1
monoatomic.
Problem 80. 40 calories of heat is needed to raise the temperature of 1 mole of an ideal monoatomic
gas from 20C to 30C at a constant pressure. The amount of heat required to raise its
temperature over the same interval at a constant volume (R 2 caloriemole1 K 1 ) is
[UPSEAT 2000]
(a) 20 calorie (b) 40 calorie (c) 60 calorie (d) 80 calorie
calorie
Solution : (a) At constant pressure (Q) p C p T 1 C p (30 20) 40 C p 4
molekelvin
calorie
Cv C p R 4 2 2
mole kelvin
Now (Q)v C v T 1 2 (30 20) 20calorie
3R
Problem 81. At constant volume the specific heat of a gas is , then the value of will be
2
[DPMT 1999]

3 5 5
(a) (b) (c) (d) None of the above
2 2 3
R 3R
Solution : (c) Specific heat at constant volume C v (given)
1 2

2 5
1 .
3 3
Problem 82. For a gas the difference between the two specific heats is 4150 J/kg K. What is the
specific heats at constant volume of gas if the ratio of specific heat is 1.4
[AFMC 1998]
(a) 8475 J/kg - K (b) 5186 J/kg - K (c) 1660 J/kg - K (d) 10375 J/kg - K
cp
Solution : (d) Given c p cv 4150 ..(i) and 1.4 c p 1.4cv ..(ii)
cv

By substituting the value of c p in equation (i) we get 1.4cv cv 4150 0.4cv 4150

4150
cv 10375J /kg- K .
0.4
Problem 83. Two cylinders A and B fitted with pistons contain equal amounts of an ideal diatomic gas
at 300K. The piston of A is free to move while that of B is held fixed. The same amount of
heat is given to the gas in each cylinder. If the rise in temperature of the gas in A is 30 K,
then the rise in temperature of the gas in B is [IIT-JEE 1998]
(a) 30 K (b) 18 K (c) 50 K (d) 42 K
Solution : (d) In both cylinders A and B the gases are diatomic ( = 1.4). Piston A is free to move i.e. it is
isobaric process. Piston B is fixed i.e. it is isochoric process. If same amount of heat Q is
given to both then
(Q)isobaric (Q)isochoric
Cp
C p (T ) A C v (T )B (T )B (T ) A (T ) A 1.4 30 42K .
Cv
genius PHYSICS by Pradeep Kshetrapal

41 Kinetic Theory of Gases

Problem 84. The specific heat of a gas
[MP PET 1996]

(a) Has only two values of C p and Cv (b) Has a unique value at a given temperature
(c) Can have any value between 0 and (d) Depends upon the mass of the gas
Solution : (c) Range of specific heat varies from positive to negative and from zero to infinite. It depends
upon the nature of process.
Problem 85. The specific heat at constant volume for the monoatomic argon is 0.075 kcal/kg-K
whereas its gram molecular specific heat C v 2.98 cal/mole/K. The mass of the argon
atom is (Avogadros number 6.02 1023 molecules/mole)
[MP PET 1993]
23
(a) 6.60 10 gm (b) 3.30 1023 gm (c) 2.20 1023 gm (d) 13.20 1023 gm
Solution : (a) Molar specific heat = Molecular weight Gram specific heat
C v M cv

calorie kcal 0.075 103 calorie

2.98 M 0.075 M
mole kelvin kg - kelvin 103 gm kelvin
2.98
molecular weight of argon M 39.7 gm
0.075
i.e. mass of 6.023 1023 atom = 39.7 gm mass of single atom
39.7
23
6.60 10 23 gm.
6.023 10
Problem 86. When an ideal diatomic gas is heated at constant pressure, the fraction of the heat
energy supplied which increases the internal energy of the gas is
[IIT-JEE 1990]

(a) 2/5 (b) 3/5 (c) 3/7 (d) 5/7

Solution : (d) When a gas is heated at constant pressure then its one part goes to increase the internal
energy and another part for work done against external pressure i.e. (Q) p U W

C p T C v T PV

U C 1 5 7
So fraction of energy that goes to increase the internal energy v [As
(Q) p C p 7 5
for diatomic gas]
Problem 87. The temperature of 5 mole of a gas which was held at constant volume was changed
from 100oC to 120oC. The change in internal energy was found to be 80 J. The total heat
capacity of the gas at constant volume will be equal to
[CPMT 1988]

(a) 8 J K 1 (b) 0.8 J K 1 (c) 4 J K 1 (d) 0.4 J K 1

Solution : (c) At constant volume total energy will be utilised in increasing the temperature of gas
i.e. (Q)v C v T C v (120 100) 80

80
Cv 4 Joule/kelvin. This is the heat capacity of 5 mole gas.
20
Problem 88. A gas, is heated at constant pressure. The fraction of heat supplied used for external
work is
genius Kinetic Theory of Gases 42

1 1 1
(a) (b) 1 (c) 1 (d) 1 2

1
Solution : (b) We know fraction of given energy that goes to increase the internal energy

1
So we can say the fraction of given energy that supplied for external work 1 .

Problem 89. A monoatomic gas expands at constant pressure on heating. The percentage of heat
supplied that increases the internal energy of the gas and that is involved in the expansion
is
(a) 75%, 25% (b) 25%, 75% (c) 60%, 40% (d) 40%, 60%
1 3
Solution : (c) Fraction of energy supplied for increment in internal energy
5
5
As 3 for monoatomic
gas

30
Percentage energy 60%
5
5
1
1 1 3 2
Fraction of energy supplied for external work done 1
5 5
3
2
Percentage energy 100% 40% .
5
Problem 90. The average degrees of freedom per molecule for a gas is 6. The gas performs 25 J of
work when it expands at constant pressure. The heat absorbed by gas is
(a) 75 J (b) 100 J (c) 150 J (d) 125 J
2 2 4
Solution : (b) As f = 6 (given) 1 1
f 6 3

W 1
Fraction of energy given for external work 1
Q

25 1 3 1
1 1
Q 4 / 3 4 4
Q 25 4 100Joule

Problem 91. Certain amount of an ideal gas are contained in a closed vessel. The vessel is moving
with a constant velocity v. The molecular mass of gas is M. The rise in temperature of the
gas when the vessel is suddenly stopped is ( C P / C V )

Mv2 Mv2( 1) Mv2 Mv2

(a) (b) (c) (d)
2R( 1) 2R 2R( 1) 2R( 1)

1
Solution : (b) If m is the total mass of the gas then its kinetic energy mv2
2
genius PHYSICS by Pradeep Kshetrapal

43 Kinetic Theory of Gases

When the vessel is suddenly stopped then total kinetic energy will increase the temperature
1 m
of the gas (because process will be adiabatic) i.e. mv2 C v T C v T [As
2 M
R
Cv ]
1
2
T mv2 T Mv ( 1) .
m R 1

M 1 2 2R
Problem 92. The density of a polyatomic gas is standard conditions is 0.795 kgm3 . The specific heat
of the gas at constant volume is
(a) 930 J -kg1 K 1 (b) 1400 J - kg1 K 1 (c) 1120 J - kg1 K 1 (d)
1 1
925 J - kg K

Solution : (b) Ideal gas equation for m gram gas PV mrT [where r = Specific gas constant]

m P 1.013 105
or P rT rT r 466.7
V T 0.795 273

r 466.7
cv J
Specific heat at constant volume 1 4 1400
1 kg.kelvin
3
4
3 for polyat
omicgas

Problem 93. The value of C p Cv 1.00 R for a gas in state A and C p C v 1.06R in another
state. If P A and PB denote the pressure and TA and TB denote the temperatures in the
two states, then

(a) P A PB , TA TB (b) P A PB , TA TB (c) PA PB , TA TB (d) P A PB , TA TB

Solution : (c) For state A, C p Cv R i.e. the gas behaves as ideal gas.

For state B, C p C v 1.06R ( R) i.e. the gas does not behave like ideal gas.

and we know that at high temperature and at low pressure nature of gas may be ideal.

So we can say that PA PB and TA TB

11.17 Gaseous Mixture.

If two non-reactive gases are enclosed in a vessel of volume V. In the mixture 1 moles of
one gas are mixed with 2 moles of another gas. If NA is Avogadros number then

Number of molecules of first gas N1 1 N A

and number of molecules of second gas N 2 2 N A

(i) Total mole fraction ( 1 2 ) .

(ii) If M 1 is the molecular weight of first gas and M 2 that of second gas.

1M1 2M 2
Then molecular weight of mixture will be M
1 2
genius Kinetic Theory of Gases 44

(iii) Specific heat of the mixture at constant volume will be

R R
1C V1 2C V2 1 2 R 1
C Vmix 1 1 2 1 2
1 2 1 2 1 1 2 1
1 2

R m1 / M 1 m2 / M 2
C Vmix
m1 m2 1 1 2 1


M1 M 2

1C P1 2C P2
(iv) Specific heat of the mixture at constant pressure will be C Pmix
1 2

1 1 R 2 2 R R 1
1 1 2 1 1 2 2
C Pmix 1 2 1 1 2 1
1 2

m1 1 m2 2
R
C Pmix
m1 m2 M 1 1 1 M 2 2 1

M1 M 2

( 1C P1 2C P2 ) 1
1 R 2 2 R
C Pmix 1 2 1C P1 2C P2 1 1 2 1
(v) mixture
C Vmix ( 1C V1 2C V2 ) 1C V1 2C V2 R R
1 2 1 2
1 1 2 1

1 1 2 2

1 1 2 1 1 1( 2 1) 2 2 ( 1 1)
mixture
1 2 1( 2 1) 2 ( 1 1)

1 1 2 1

Sample problems based on Mixture

Problem 94. If two moles of diatomic gas and one mole of monoatomic gas are mixed with then the
ratio of specific heats is
[MP PMT 2003]

7 5 19 15
(a) (b) (c) (d)
3 4 13 19
5 7
Solution : (c) 1 1, 1 (for monoatomic gas) and 2 2 , 2 (for diatomic gas)
3 5
genius PHYSICS by Pradeep Kshetrapal

45 Kinetic Theory of Gases

5 7
1 2
3 5
1 1 2 2 5 7
1 1
From formula 1 1 2 1 3 5 5 / 2 7 19
mixture
1 2 1 2 3 / 2 5 13

1 1 2 1 5 1 7
1
3 5
Problem 95. 22 gm of CO2 at 27C is mixed with 16 gm of O 2 at 37C. The temperature of the
mixture is [CBSE PMT 1995]

(a) 32C (b) 27C (c) 37C (d) 30.5C

Solution : (a) Let t is the temperature of mixture

Heat gained by CO 2 = Heat lost by O 2

1C v1 T1 2C v2 T2

22 16 5
(3R)(t 27) R (37 t)
44 32 2

5
3(t 27) (37 t)
2
By solving we get t 32C .

Problem 96. A gas mixture consists of 2 mole of oxygen and 4 mole of argon at temperature T.
Neglecting all vibrational modes, the total internal energy of the system is
(a) 4 RT (b) 15 RT (c) 9 RT (d) 11 RT

f1 f
Solution : (d) Total internal energy of system U oxygen U argon 1 RT 2 2 RT
2 2
5 3
2 RT 4 RT 5 RT 6 RT 11RT [As f1 = 5 (for oxygen) and f2 = 3 (for
2 2
argon)]