CHAPTER 6 ~ AIR PRESSURE

6.1 Kinetic Energy of Gases and Air Pressure

Air Pressure
1. Air pressure is easily explained by using the kinetic theory of

gases.
2. Air is a mixture of gas particles. These particles move very fast

in all directions. When they collide against a surface, they exert pressure on the surface. This pressure due to air in the atmosphere is called atmospheric pressure or air pressure.
3. Atmospheric pressure: a) Acts in all direction. b) Varies from place to place. c) Decrease as we go up the atmosphere because the air

decreases.
d) Increases with temperature because the kinetic energy to

the particles increases.

4. Atmospheric pressure is usually measured by using an aneroid

barometer.

(high pressure to low pressure) Factors Affecting Air Pressure

1. Temperature: When the temperature of the air in an enclosed

container increase, the air pressure in the container increases.

2. Volume: When the volume of air in an enclosed container is

compressed (i.e. its volume is reduced), the air pressure in the container increases.

6.2 Application of Air Pressure

Syringe
1. When the piston of a syringe is pulled

up, the air pressure in the space below the piston is much reduced.
2. The higher atmospheric pressure acting

on the surface of the liquid pushes the liquid into the syringe. Siphon
1. At the beginning, the siphon is

filled with the liquid.

2. When the liquid flows out of the

lower end of the siphon, there is a region of very low pressure in the siphon.
3. The higher atmospheric pressure

pressing on the liquid surface pushes the liquid into the siphon. Flit pump
1. When the handle is pushed into

the cylinder, air is forced out of the jet at a very high speed. This creates a region of very low pressure in front of the jet.
2. The higher air pressure in the tin

pushes the insecticide out of the tin. The insecticide is broken into a fine spray by the air coming out of the jet.

Drinking straw
1. When a straw is sucked, air is

drawn out of it. This creates a region of very low pressure inside the straw.
2. The higher atmospheric pressure

acting on the surface of the water pushes the water up the straw and into the drinkers mouth. Rubber plunger
1. When a rubber plunger placed on

the hole of a blocked sink is pushed down, the air in the plunger is forced down the hole.
2. When the plunger is pulled up, the

volume of space under the plunger is increased, creating a region of very low air pressure.
3. The higher air pressure on the

other side of the blockage pressure inwards and loosen the blockage for water to flow through.