5.13 Absolute Zero

5.13 understand that there is an absolute zero of temperature which is -273°C

Watch the video below: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvrJgGhnmJo

Using particle theory we can explain why the gas in the balloon contracts. Obviously the temperature inside the balloon decreases; meaning that the average kinetic energy of the particles also decreases. If the particles have less KE they will collide with the walls of the balloon with less force (and less collisions per second). Because the walls of the container are flexible, the volume decreases because the particles aren’t applying enough force on the balloon to keep it inflated.

This is known as Charles’ law. A law stating that the volume of an ideal gas at constant pressure is directly proportional to the absolute temperature.