gas pressure
Definition
- Noun:
- The pressure exerted by a gas: The force per unit area that a gas applies to the walls of its container due to the constant collisions of its molecules.
Usage
- Gas pressure is a fundamental concept in physics and chemistry. It is measured in units such as pascals (Pa), atmospheres (atm), or pounds per square inch (psi). It describes the state of a gas and is a key variable in gas laws (e.g., Boyle's law, the ideal gas law).
Examples
- Noun:
- The gas pressure inside the tire must be checked regularly for safety.
- An increase in temperature typically causes an increase in gas pressure if the volume is held constant.
- Scientists measured the gas pressure in the sealed chamber.
Advanced Usage
- "Partial gas pressure": In a mixture of gases, the pressure that one specific gas would exert if it alone occupied the entire volume.
- The partial gas pressure of oxygen is critical for respiration at high altitudes.
Variants and Related Words
- Pressure (n): The continuous physical force exerted on or against an object by something in contact with it. Gas pressure is a specific type of pressure.
- Vapor pressure (n): A specific type of gas pressure exerted by a vapor in thermodynamic equilibrium with its condensed phases (solid or liquid) at a given temperature.
- Atmospheric pressure (n): The pressure exerted by the weight of the Earth's atmosphere, a specific example of gas pressure.
Synonyms
- Gas force per unit area: A more descriptive synonym emphasizing the definition.
- (Gas) tension: An older or less common term sometimes used in specific contexts.
Related Phrases
- To exert gas pressure: The action of a gas applying force.
- The compressed air exerts a high gas pressure on the cylinder walls.
- To measure gas pressure: The action of determining the magnitude of this force.
- A manometer is used to measure gas pressure.
Related Idioms
- The propane is stored under high pressure in the tank.
Noun
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the pressure exerted by a gas
