Frequently Examined
Gas pressure and temperature is examined mainly as a particle-model explanation. AQA (8463/8464) asks only for a qualitative explanation of how pressure and temperature are related at constant volume — you will not be asked to calculate using Kelvin or the pressure law on an AQA paper.
- "Explain using the particle model" (3-4 marks): Must include speed of particles, frequency of collisions, and force of collisions. All three points needed for full marks.
- Higher tier — Boyle's law calculations (3 marks, Physics only): every board gives p₁V₁ = p₂V₂ (or pV = constant) on its equation sheet or data sheet. You need to substitute values correctly and rearrange, not recall the formula.
- Board note: Eduqas is the only board that additionally tests the pressure law (p₁/T₁ = p₂/T₂) and the combined gas law (pV/T = constant), both given on its Higher-tier equation page. Edexcel examines absolute zero and Kelvin–Celsius conversion as knowledge (14.14–14.15) but never inside a gas calculation. OCR A and OCR B examine neither — their pressure–temperature outcome is explicitly "qualitative only".
This exam focus covers Exam Focus within Gas Pressure & Temperature for GCSE Physics. Revise Gas Pressure & Temperature in Particle Model for GCSE Physics with 29 exam-style questions and 30 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 9 of 11 in this topic. Treat this as a marking guide for what examiners are looking for, not just a fact list.
Practice questions for Gas Pressure & Temperature
A sealed gas container is heated. What happens to the pressure of the gas inside?
A sealed gas cylinder is heated. Explain, using particle theory, why the pressure of the gas increases when the temperature increases.