Gas Laws Review Project
AP Chemistry
Name ____________________________________
1. Open the Gas Properties simulation on the University of Colorado’s pHet website:
phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/gas-properties
2. “Pump the Handle” to place gas molecules into the box.
3. Play around with the simulation and list the four things in the simulation you can change on your report sheet.
4. Using the “Constant Parameter” section to the right of the simulation. Hold first volume constant. Adjust the
amount of gas molecules and the temperature and observe what is happening to the pressure of the system.
5. Repeat the process above with “temperature” held constant.
6. On your report sheet, define the first property of gas molecules- pressure, in terms of what the gas molecules do
to create pressure.
7. Repeat Steps 4-6, holding pressure and temperature constant and define volume in terms of gas molecules on your
report sheet.
8. Repeat Steps 4-6, holding pressure and volume constant and define temperature in terms of what the gas
molecules do when temperature changes on your report sheet.
9. Does the number of gas molecules affect any of the other three variables? On your report sheet, give one
example.
10. Hold volume constant in the “constant parameter” section to the right.
11. Add heat to the system and record your new temperature and pressure in the chart on your report sheet. Wait to
record the pressure until the system settles down.
12. Repeat step twelve three more times recording your new temperature and pressure each time.
13. Using the Excel spreadsheet, enter the data and create a temperature and pressure x/y scatter graph. Label the
axes.
14. Now hold temperature constant.
15. Adjust the volume by moving the man. Calculate your new volume by clicking on the “Measuring Tools” and
checking the “Ruler”. Move the ruler to the edge of the box to measure its length.(Assume the width of the box is
10 nm and the height is 5 nm).
16. Record your new volume and pressure in the chart on your report sheet.
17. Repeat steps 16-17 three more times.
18. Using the Excel spreadsheet, enter the data and create a volume and pressure x/y scatter graph. Label the axes.
19. Now create a graph of pressure vs. 1/V.
20. Now hold pressure constant.
21. Choose to either add or remove heat. Calculate the new volume and record the new temperature and volume in
the chart on your report sheet. Remember to wait until the system settles before you record your data.
22. Repeat step 21 three more times.
23. Using the Excel spreadsheet, enter the data and create a volume and temperature x/y scatter graph. Label the
axes.
24. Click reset to remove all gas molecules.
25. Now hold volume constant.
26. Pump the handle once and record the number of gas molecules and the new pressure in the chart on your report
sheet.
27. Repeat step 25 three more times.
28. Using the Excel spreadsheet, enter the data and create a number of molecules and pressure x/y scatter graph.
Label the axes.
Now answer the rest of the questions.
Gas Laws Review Project
AP Chemistry
Name ____________________________________
Report Sheet
1. What four variables are we adjusting in this simulation?
2. Define the following in terms of gas molecules.
a. Pressure –
b. Volume –
c. Temperature –
3. Describe one example from the simulation, how the number of gas molecules affects one of the other
variables.
4. Pressure and temperature data
Pressure (atm)
Temperature (K)
Type of relationship (Direct relationship/inverse relationship) _____________________________________
5. Pressure and volume data
Pressure (atm)
Volume (nm3)
Type of relationship (Direct relationship/inverse relationship) _____________________________________
6. Volume and temperature data
Volume (nm3)
Temperature (K)
Type of relationship (Direct relationship/inverse relationship) _____________________________________
7. Gas molecules and Pressure data
Gas molecules
Pressure (atm)
Type of relationship (Direct relationship/inverse relationship) _____________________________________
Questions
1. Based on your definitions of pressure, temperature and volume, explain why the following relationships
occur. (Describe what is happening to gas molecules which causes the relationship.)
a. Pressure and temperature (volume is constant)
b. Pressure and volume (Temperature is constant)
c. Volume and temperature (Pressure is constant)
d. Gas molecules and pressure (volume is constant)
2. Find real life examples which illustrate the relationships shown. Explain briefly why one value changes
as the other changes. (If you search the internet, BE CAREFUL! There are plenty of incorrect
examples!)
a. Pressure and temperature (volume is constant)
b. Pressure and volume (Temperature is constant)
c. Volume and temperature (Pressure is constant)
d. Gas molecules and pressure (volume is constant)
3. Don’t forget to include the 5 graphs from Excel with your report.