AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based Flashcards: The Ideal Gas Law
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 do the variables 'n' and 'R' represent in the equation $PV=nRT$?
In this form of the Ideal Gas Law, 'n' represents the number of moles of the gas, and 'R' is the ideal gas constant.
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What do the variables 'n' and 'R' represent in the equation $PV=nRT$?
In this form of the Ideal Gas Law, 'n' represents the number of moles of the gas, and 'R' is the ideal gas constant.
According to the ideal gas model, what is assumed about the volume of the atoms themselves?
The model assumes that the individual volumes of the atoms are negligible when compared to the total volume occupied by the gas.
State the Ideal Gas Law equation in its two common forms.
The Ideal Gas Law is expressed as $PV=nRT$ (using moles) or $PV=Nk_{B}T$ (using the number of atoms).
What are the four main assumptions of the classical model of an ideal gas?
The model assumes that atoms have random velocities, their volumes are negligible compared to the gas's total volume, they collide elastically, and the only forces are from collisions.
How can a graph of pressure vs. temperature be used to find the temperature at which an ideal gas has zero pressure?
This temperature, known as absolute zero, can be found by extrapolating the linear relationship on the graph down to the temperature axis where the pressure value is zero.
What is meant by the assumption that atoms in an ideal gas collide elastically?
Elastic collisions mean that the total kinetic energy of the atoms is conserved during collisions, with no energy lost to other forms.
What does the assumption of 'random instantaneous velocities' imply?
This implies that the gas atoms are in constant, unpredictable motion, and there is no preferred direction of movement for the collection of atoms as a whole.
What do the variables 'N' and 'k_B' represent in the equation $PV=Nk_{B}T$?
In this form of the Ideal Gas Law, 'N' represents the total number of atoms (or molecules), and 'k_B' is the Boltzmann constant.
How can graphs be used to understand the properties of a gas?
Graphs modeling the relationships between pressure, temperature, and volume can be used to describe the gas's behavior or to determine its properties under different conditions.
What are the only appreciable forces acting on atoms in an ideal gas?
In the ideal gas model, the only significant forces considered are the instantaneous forces that occur during collisions between atoms and with the container walls.
What is an ideal gas?
An ideal gas is a theoretical gas in which the relationships between pressure, volume, number of moles (or atoms), and temperature can be modeled using the equation $PV=nRT=Nk_{B}T$.