CEM 151 Chapter 10: Gases
Document Summary
Composed of nonmetallic elements (usually - mercury is an exception) Only few elements exist as gases under ordinary conditions of temperature. Many low molar mass molecular compounds are gases. Expands spontaneously to fill its container and equals the volume and the shape of the container. Are highly compressible and expand to fill their containers. In air, the molecules take up about 0. 1% of the total volume (the rest is empty space) Particles are constantly moving and colliding especially with container walls. Collisions of particles with surfaces result in pressure. Pressure is the amount of force that acts on a given area. Number of gas particles in a given volume. The pressure of the atmosphere on the surface of the mercury equals the pressure of the column of mercury. When the atmospheric pressure decreases, the mercury level in a barometer will decrease. The actual atmospheric pressure at a specific location depends on the altitude and weather conditions.
