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obsidianvault/physics/Thermodynamics/Kinetic Theory of Temperature and Pressure.md

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Thermodynamics

Summary

  • Gas pressure comes from atoms colliding with the wall and transferring momentum. P=\frac{F_{\perp}}{A}
  • Gas pressure exists throughout the gas, not just against the walls.
  • Temperature is average kinetic energy of atoms: K_{avg}=\frac{3}{2}k_BT
  • Boltzmann constant: k_B=1.380649*10^{-23} J*K^{-1}
  • Root-means-square speed links speed to kinetic energy: \frac{1}{2}mv_{rms}^2
  • K_{avg}=\frac{3}{2}k_BT=\frac{1}{2}mv_{rms}^2
  • v_{rms} rises with temperature.
  • Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution shows spread of atomic speeds. Higher temperatures broaden the curve and increases the peak speed.
  • Temperature must be Kelvin to work.