Particles In
Action
Lesson 1: Absolute Zero
Learning Objectives:
• describe the term absolute zero
• convert between Kelvin and Celsius scales of
temperature
• describe how the temperature of a gas relates to
the speed and kinetic energy of its particles
• recognise that the Kelvin temperature of a gas
and the average kinetic energy of its particles
are directly proportional.
Starter
• Draw the particles in a solution
which has been heated and
one that is cold.
Kinetic Theory Model
• Change your movement
according to the volume.
• Absolute zero exists at
o
-273 C
http://www.visionlearning.com/library/module_viewer.php?c3=1&mid=48&l=
Celsius to Kelvin?
To change 100 °C into Kelvin just add 273.
So 100 °C = (100 + 273) K = 373 K.
What are the following temperatures in
Kelvin?
0 °C, 20 °C, 37 °C, 500 °C, -5 °C, -169 °C
Kelvin to Celsius?
To change 100 K into Celsius just subtract
273.
So 500 K = (500 - 273) K = 227 °C.
What are the following temperatures in
Celsius?
0 K, 200 K, 300 K, 1 000 K
Making Thermometers
1. Fill a bowl with crushed ice.
2. Put a little coloured dye in the flask, then fill it to the
top with crushed ice. Stand it in the bowl with crushed
ice and leave it for 15 mins.
3. Push the rubber bung on, and mark the level of the risen
liquid.
4. Then put the flask into a water bath and leave for 15
mins.
5. Mark the new level.
6. Divide the distance between the two marks into 5 equal
divisions. Each division will represent 10 degrees.
7. Leave the flask on the bench for 15 mins, and mark the
new level.
How would you describe this relationship?
At __________ (–273 ºC or 0 K) particles
__________ moving. You convert ºC to K by
adding __________. Increasing the
__________ increases the speed of the
particles. The _________ in a gas are
continually colliding with each other. The kelvin
temperature and the average __________
energy of the particles are directly
__________ to each other (i.e. double the
__________ temperature, __________ the
kinetic energy).
273 absolute zero
double
kinetic particles proportional stop
kelvin
temperature
Plenary
• Explain how we can move
from degrees Celsius to
degrees Kelvin and back again
Plenary
• Explain how we can move
from degrees Celsius to
degrees Kelvin and back again
• Explain why this weather
balloon is released when more
gas could be added
http://www.chem.ufl.edu/~itl/2045/MH_sims/ideal_nav.swf
Charles Law Simulation
http://www.chem.iastate.edu/group/Greenbowe/sections/projectfolder/flashfiles/gaslaw/charles_law.html
Kinetic Theory Model
http://www.practicalphysics.org/go/Experiment_365.html
http://penguincentral.com/pics/gallery/S-131/96ilc31k.jpg