Gas Properties

Pressure, volume, temperature, and the ideal gas law

The ideal gas law PV = nRT relates pressure, volume, amount, and temperature of a gas. At the molecular level, pressure arises from particles colliding with container walls. Temperature is proportional to average kinetic energy. Boyle's Law (P ∝ 1/V at constant T,n) can be observed by changing volume. Charles's Law (V ∝ T at constant P,n) relates volume to temperature. Gay-Lussac's Law (P ∝ T at constant V,n) shows pressure increases with temperature. Deviations from ideal behavior occur at high pressure (small volume) or low temperature, where intermolecular forces become significant.