AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based Flashcards: Kinetic Theory of Temperature and Pressure
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 11 cards to help you master important concepts.
What is the formula for pressure exerted on a surface?
The formula for pressure is $P=\frac{F_{\perp}}{A}$, where $F_{\perp}$ is the perpendicular component of the force and A is the area.
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What is the formula for pressure exerted on a surface?
The formula for pressure is $P=\frac{F_{\perp}}{A}$, where $F_{\perp}$ is the perpendicular component of the force and A is the area.
What is the relationship between the average kinetic energy of an ideal gas and its temperature?
The average kinetic energy of an ideal gas is directly proportional to its absolute temperature, as described by the equation $K_{avg}= rac{3}{2}k_{B}T$.
Two ideal gases, Helium (light atoms) and Xenon (heavy atoms), are at the same temperature. Which gas has the higher root-mean-square speed?
Helium will have the higher root-mean-square speed because for a given average kinetic energy (temperature), particles with less mass must have a higher speed.
According to the kinetic theory, what is pressure?
Pressure is the ratio of the sum of the magnitudes of the perpendicular components of the forces exerted by a gas's atoms on a surface to the area of that surface.
What is the root-mean-square (rms) speed?
The root-mean-square speed is a specific measure of the average speed of gas particles that corresponds to the average kinetic energy of the system.
What equation relates the average kinetic energy, temperature, and root-mean-square speed of an ideal gas?
The equation is $K_{avg}=\frac{3}{2}k_{B}T=\frac{1}{2}mv_{rms}^{2}$, which connects these three properties.
If the total perpendicular force exerted by a gas on a container wall doubles while the area remains constant, what happens to the pressure?
According to the equation $P=\frac{F_{\perp}}{A}$, if the force doubles and the area stays the same, the pressure will also double.
How is the temperature of a system characterized in terms of atomic motion?
The temperature of a system is characterized by the average kinetic energy of the atoms within that system.
If the temperature of an ideal gas increases, what happens to the average kinetic energy of its atoms?
Since temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy, increasing the temperature of the gas will increase the average kinetic energy of its atoms.
What two types of collisions do atoms in a gas constantly undergo?
Atoms in a gas collide with other atoms within the gas and also with the walls of the container holding the gas.
What fundamental atomic behavior causes a gas to exert pressure on its container?
Gas atoms are in constant motion, and their collisions with the container walls exert forces, which collectively create pressure.