Conceptual Physics: Gases

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to gases as presented in the lecture.

Atmospheric Pressure

The pressure exerted by the weight of air above a given point, varying with local air density and temperature.

Magdeburg Hemispheres

A demonstration from 1654 by Otto von Guericke showing atmospheric pressure where sealed hemispheres could not be pulled apart by horses due to the vacuum inside.

Pressure at Sea Level

At sea level, atmospheric pressure is approximately 101 kilopascals (101 kPa).

Barometer

A device used to measure atmospheric pressure, typically consisting of a mercury tube inverted in a dish of mercury.

Boyle's Law

At constant temperature, the pressure and volume of a gas are inversely proportional; if pressure increases, volume decreases.

Buoyancy

The ability of an object to float in air or liquid, determined by the weight of the air or liquid displaced by the object.

Bernoulli's Principle

States that in a fluid flow, an increase in fluid speed occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure.

Plasma

The fourth state of matter, consisting of ionized gas with free electrons, such as that found in stars and certain types of light.

Aneroid Barometer

A barometer that uses a flexible metal box to measure atmospheric pressure changes without liquid mercury.

Hydrogen Balloon

A gas-filled balloon that rises due to the buoyancy provided by hydrogen, the lightest gas.