Exploring the Relationship Between Pressure and
Temperature
NS 696 V: Weather and Climate for Educators
Grade Level: 10-12
Standards:
Standard 1
Students apply the processes of scientific investigation and design, conduct, communicate
about, and evaluate such investigations.
Standard 2
Physical Science: Students know and understand common properties, forms, and changes in
matter and energy. (Focus: Physics and Chemistry)
Materials: Pressure Vessel, thermometer, ice bath, coffee maker for hot water
Background information: Using the POGIL (Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning) style of
teaching, this is meant to be an introductory lesson that will lead to the ideal gas law. An
understanding of temperature and what it measures has been covered. In addition, an understanding of
direct and inverse relationships (qualitative and quantitative) has been reviewed.
Objective: Determine the relationship (qualitative and quantitative) between the pressure and
temperature of a gas.
Theory: Pressure is caused by the collisions of gas particles with the sides of a container.
Temperature measures the average kinetic energy (speed) of a sample of gas particles. As you increase
the speed of gas particles, collisions between the particles and the container happen more often. This is
measured as an increase in pressure. There is a direct relationship between pressure and temperature of
a sample of gas.
Qualitatively: As the temperature of a sample of gas increases, the pressure of the gas increases.
Quantitatively, this relationship can be written:
P α T or
P = kT where k is a constant
In this lesson, students will collect data, create a graph, and determine this relationship.
Lesson generated by Matt Nigro
Lesson:
POGIL Activity: Students are groups of four, with roles assigned
1. There is a sample of gas in the vessel. In your group, discuss what is meant by pressure. Use
complete sentences to record your understanding.
Record the temperature and pressure of the gas sample at room temperature.
P = _______________
T = __________________
2. Submerge the vessel in an ice bath for at least five minutes.
Record the temperature and pressure of the gas sample at this temperature.
P = _______________
T = __________________
In your group, discuss what happened and explain why using your understanding of pressure. Use
complete sentences to record your understanding.
3. Create a warm water bath (about 40°C). Submerge the vessel in the warm water bath for at least
five minutes.
Record the temperature and pressure of the gas sample at this temperature.
P = _______________
T = __________________
In your group, discuss what happened and explain why using your understanding of pressure. Use
complete sentences to record your understanding.
4. Create a hot water bath (about 85°C). Submerge the vessel in the warm water bath for at least five
minutes.
Record the temperature and pressure of the gas sample at this temperature.
P = _______________
T = __________________
In your group, discuss what happened and explain why using your understanding of pressure. Use
complete sentences to record your understanding.
Fill in the following data table for every trial:
Trial
Temperature
Pressure
Using the graph paper provided, graph your data
From the results of your trials and looking at your graph, what is the relationship (qualitative) between
the pressure and temperature of a sample of gas? Explain using complete sentences.
From the results of your trials and looking at your graph, what is the relationship (quantitative)
between the pressure and temperature of a sample of gas? Explain using a mathematical expression.