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15.3.4—PV = 1/3 Nm<c2> with pV = NkT to deduce that the average translational

Syllabus
9702–2028–2029
Objective
15.3.4
Level
A2

Kinetic theory gives pV=⅓Nm⟨c²⟩=NkT for an ideal gas

For N molecules of mass m, pV=⅓Nm⟨c²⟩. Combining with pV=NkT links pressure to mean translational kinetic energy per particle.

Use ⟨c²⟩ as the mean square speed, not the square of the mean speed, and keep N as particle count.

At fixed volume, raising T raises mean molecular kinetic energy and therefore pressure in proportion.

The equation describes a statistical average; not every molecule has the same speed or energy.

ConceptA-Level CAIE Physics A2