Compressing A One-Atom Gas

Below is a very simple model of a gas. A single atom bounces elastically in a one-dimensional cavity. It will continue to bounce at the same speed forever if the piston does not move.

This is a Java 1.1 applet demonstrating a one-atom gas.

If we start the piston compressing, the atom gains speed when it bounces off the piston.
(speed after collision) = (speed before collision) + 2 X (piston speed)
That helps to explain why a gas heats when we compress it, and cools as we allow it to expand.

Thanks to Michael Fowler for the use of his applet. See more in his collection at http://galileoandeinstein.physics.virginia.edu/

Chemistry | Science | Worsley School

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