CAIE IGCSE Physics Gas Pressure and Collisions
Practise explaining gas pressure through particle collisions and momentum change, then relate temperature or escaping particles to collision frequency and force.
- Syllabus
- 2026–2028
- Course
- Physics 0625
Practise explaining gas pressure through particle collisions and momentum change, then relate temperature or escaping particles to collision frequency and force.
Fig. 4.1 shows a pressure cooker on an electric heating element. The cooker has a tight-fitting lid.

Fig. 4.1
As the water is heated, the pressure of the gas inside the cooker increases. Explain this increase in pressure in terms of particles.
any four from:
1 (as the water is heated) the number of gas particles increases
2 (particles) gain internal / kinetic energy
3 (there are) more frequent collisions between particles and surface / wall / lid of the cooker
4 (each) collision (of particles) is harder / exerts more force (on cooker surface) OR greater change of momentum when particles collide (on cooker surface)
5 pressure ∝ (total) force (of collisions) OR pressure = force / area
B4