About the lecture

In this mini-lecture, we introduce the ideal gas law. As we move through the mini-lecture, we consider: (i) the properties of gases; (ii) a demonstration using Magdeburg hemispheres; (iii) a demonstration illustrating the force of external air pressure on an evacuated object; (iv) a demonstration that shows a reduction in pressure causing an increase in volume; (v) Boyle’s Law relating pressure and volume; (vi) the relationship between temperature and kinetic energy, and a demonstration showcasing this; (vii) Charles’s Law relating volume and temperature; (viii) the units of Kelvin for temperature; (ix) the relationship between temperature and pressure and a demonstration illustrating this; and (x) the ideal gas law and what an ideal gas is.

About the lecturer

Janet Lovett is a Lecturer in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of St Andrews. Her primary research interest is in measuring nanometre distances for structural biology using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Dr Lovett teaches a first-year ‘Properties of Matter’ course at the University in addition to other courses such as magnetic resonance.