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A Level Physics Tutor

Ideal Gas Graphs

Introduction
 

Ideal gas graphs show how the pressure, volume and temperature of a gas are related under different conditions. These graphs are based on Boyle's Law, Charles' Law and the Pressure Law, all of which can be explained using the ideal gas equation.

In this topic, students learn to interpret and sketch the characteristic graphs for ideal gases, explain their shapes using particle theory, and use them to solve AQA A Level Physics problems.
 

AQA A Level Physics Specification 3.6.1.1 Ideal Gases
 

What You Need to Know
 

  • Sketch and interpret pressure–volume (p–V) graphs at constant temperature (Boyle's Law).

  • Recognise that for a fixed mass of gas at constant temperature:

    • Pressure is inversely proportional to volume (P ∝ 1/V).

  • Sketch and interpret pressure–temperature (p–T) graphs at constant volume.

  • Understand that pressure is directly proportional to absolute temperature (K).

  • Recognise that a pressure–temperature graph plotted in °C extrapolates to approximately −273°C (absolute zero).

  • Sketch and interpret volume–temperature (V–T) graphs at constant pressure (Charles' Law).

  • Understand that volume is directly proportional to absolute temperature (K).

  • Explain the shapes of gas graphs using the kinetic theory of gases.

  • Use graphs to determine unknown pressures, volumes and temperatures.

  • Relate gas graphs to the ideal gas equation (PV = nRT).
     

Downloadable Topic Pack
 

Ideal Gas Graphs Topic Pack Exam Questions and Answers
 

This downloadable resource contains:
 

  • Concise revision notes

  • AQA-style graph interpretation questions

  • Worked graph calculations

  • Questions involving Boyle's Law, Charles' Law and the Pressure Law

  • Examiner guidance on common graph interpretation mistakes
     

Related Topics
 

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