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Gas Pressure and Molecular Collisions

publish date2026/05/19 19:14:44.756213 UTC

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According to the kinetic theory of gases, why do gases exert pressure on the walls of their container?

Correct Answer

Because gas molecules are constantly colliding with the container walls

Explanation

According to the kinetic theory, gas molecules are in constant, random motion. They continuously collide with the walls of their container. Each collision exerts a tiny force, and the cumulative effect of billions of collisions per second results in a constant, measurable force, which we perceive as pressure.

Reference

Basic Physics: A Self-Teaching Guide


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