the world in a different light
Open simulation here. This was built using Claude.AI, which I notice, is better at suggesting UI features than ChatGPT or Gemini. I did not put too much effort into this as I only wanted to explain to upper sec IP students why intermolecular forces need not always be attractive, as well as to link it to the potential energy between particles in the kinetic particle model of matter.
This interactive HTML5 simulation models the behavior of gas particles in a fixed-volume container, allowing users to explore the relationships between temperature, pressure, and particle motion. Users can adjust the temperature using a slider, which directly affects the speed of the particles based on kinetic theory. As particles collide with the container walls, they briefly turn red to visually indicate wall interactions—collisions that contribute to pressure. A real-time pressure gauge on the side rises proportionally with temperature, consistent with the ideal gas law.
Open in new tab 🔗According to the kinetic model of matter, gases consist of a large number of small particles (atoms or molecules) moving randomly and continuously in all directions. These particles have kinetic energy, which depends on temperature.
As temperature increases, the average kinetic energy of the gas particles increases. This means the particles move faster. Since pressure arises from particles colliding with the walls of the container, faster-moving particles collide more frequently and with greater force. These more energetic collisions result in a higher pressure on the container walls.
In a fixed volume, this explains why pressure is directly proportional to temperature (in kelvin), a relationship described by:
(if volume and number of particles are constant)
The following simulations from the Concord Consortium shows the behaviour of molecules in different states. What I like about them is that you can highlight one or two individual molecules and focus on observing their movement.