Kinetic theory of gases Kinetic theory of gases states that gases are tiny particles which move freely.

These gas particles collide with the wall of the container to produce force to the wall of container. This force is called air pressure. Why air pressure exists? Gases move freely and collide with one another and against the wall of container. The constant colliding against the wall produces pushing force. By doing this the gas particles exert pressure on the wall of container. This pressure is called air pressure. Factors affecting air pressure There are two factors affecting air pressure which are:

a)

Volume When the volume of air in the container is reduced, the air pressure in the container increases. As the volume reduced, the air particles have less space to move. Hence, they collide with the containers wall more frequently and increase the air pressure.

b)

Temperature As the temperature increases, the air pressure also increases. At high temperature, gas molecules move faster and hit the containers wall more often. This will increase the air pressure.

Atmospheric Pressure Atmosphere is the layer of air surrounding the earth. Atmospheric pressure is the air pressure caused by the atmosphere around us. This layer of air consists of gas molecules which collide against the object near it. This will exert forced against the object. This air pressure (forced) is known as atmospheric pressure. Factor affecting atmospheric pressure The factor affecting atmospheric pressure is the height of the object from sea level. The higher the object from sea level, the thinner the atmospheric layer hence the lower the atmospheric pressure. Atmospheric pressure is measured using barometer.

Appliances which use air pressure

1)

Drinking Straw Air pressure plays important role in our daily life. For example is drinking water with a straw. Suction is not the reason that moves up the liquid inside the straw and into our mouth. It is caused by the air pressure from the atmosphere. When you drink using a straw in an open glass of water, the pressure inside your mouth decreased. So do the pressure inside the straw. The pressure inside the straw is less than the pressure outside of the straw (on the surface of the water). The pressure from outside the water will push down the water and the water is forced up into the straw and into your mouth.

2) Syringe In the same way, we normally used a syringe for sucking and measuring liquid. A syringe is placed in a liquid and the piston is pulled up. By pulling the piston, youll create a low pressure inside the syringe. The pressure outside the syringe (surfa ce of the water) is higher. Thus, causing the water to be forced into the syringe.

3) Siphon A siphon is a bent tube that is used to transfer liquid from one container (higher level) to another (lower level) without using pump. First, the tube needs to be filled with water and both end of the tube is covered. Position the tube in the containers. Uncover both end of the tube and allow the water to flow out from the tube. At the higher container, the pressure inside the tube is less while the air pressure on the surface of the water is higher. This force the water into the tube and flows from higher container to lower container.

4) Insecticide Spray An insecticide spray applied the air pressure concept. It is used to kill insects or control pests that infect plants and crops. It consists of a piston, cylinder and insecticide container which is connected to the cylinder. When the piston is pressed towards the cylinder, it produces forces that pushed the air out from the cylinder. The area at the end tip turn to a low air pressure region. At the same time, the higher air pressure region formed on the surface of the insecticide and forces the insecticide to move up the tube. As the fast air from the cylinder collides with the insecticide, the insecticide is split and broken to fine spray.

Using Air Pressure to solve daily problem

1)

Rubber Hook In our daily life, we often come across the usage of air pressure to solve our daily problems. For instance, the usage of rubber hooks to hang light object on the wall. Once the hook is pressed against the wall, the air between the hook and the wall is forced out. A region with low air pressure is created between the hook and the wall. The high pressure on the surface of the hook holds the hook firmly against the wall.

2) Rubber dropper Besides that, the rubber dropper also applied the air pressure theory where it can suck up liquid and transfer some amount of liquid. The rubber dropper is fixed on the glass pipette. Once the rubber dropper is pressed, the air inside the dropper will be forced out and creates a low air pressure region. When the dropper is released, the air pressure forces the liquid into the dropper.

3) Pouring milk from a tin Milk can be poured out from the tin more easily by making two holes on the cover. While pouring the milk from another hole, the other will be exposed to the air pressure. The air enters the higher hole and pressed the milk against the lower hole. Thus, milk can be easily poured out from the tin container

4) Rubber plunger Rubber plunger is usually used to remove clog in the pipe. It is made of a long stick and a bell-shaped rubber cup at one end. By pushing down the stick connecting the rubber cup on the outer edge of the hole, the air will be forced out of the rubber cup. This will create low pressure underneath the cup. Higher pressure on the cup will make it seal to the hole. When the stick is pulled back, the higher pressure from the other side of the clog will pushed the clog towards the rubber cup. Repeated pushing and pulling the plunger will loosen the clog.

Gas Under High Pressure Strong, large cylinders is needed to store gases. The distance between the gas particles are very large and enable them to be compressed to liquid under high pressure. After the gas being compressed and liquefied, the distances between gas particles become less. Thus, the volume decrease and become smaller. It is more cost effective and easy for transportation by storing gas in the form of liquid. Gases such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, hydrogen and helium are stored in the gas tanks or cylinders for transportation to the consumer.

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) present in the short metal cylinder used for cooking. The liquid natural gas is stored in the cylinder tanks of the vehicles that operate with the usage of natural gas.

Aerosol cans are used to store insecticides, paints, hair spray and perfume under high pressure.

When the knob of the can is pressed, the liquid in the container will form gas. It is due to the gas that been compressed to liquid state under high pressure in the aerosol can. As the pressure outside the can is lower, the liquid escaped from the container eventually being changed back to gas. Safety Measures In Dealing With Gas Under High Pressure

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Precaution steps must be taken when using gas that is kept under high pressure. Good and proper ventilation is a must upon keeping gas tank. Never keep the gas tanks under direct sunlight, open flames and source of heat to prevent explosion. The aerosol tanks must not be punctured or dent to avoid explosion. Make sure no leakage occur on the rubber hose, valve of the gas tank, gas stove by doing regular inspection. Turn off the gas valve at once after use.

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