Question

a container with a specific volume \v\ changes to \2v\. what happens to the average distance between gas molecules? assume that pressure and temperature of the gas remain constant.

decrease
increase
expand indefinitely
there is not enough information to tell

Explanation:

Analyze the volume change

$$ V_1 = V ightarrow V_2 = 2V $$

Apply gas laws under constant pressure and temperature

$$ \frac{V_1}{n_1} = \frac{V_2}{n_2} \implies n_2 = 2n_1 $$

Determine the change in average distance

$$ \text{Density of molecules} = \frac{N}{V} = \text{constant} \implies \text{Average distance} = \text{constant} $$

Answer:

• Decrease
• Increase
• Expand indefinitely
• There is not enough information to tell (Correct answer)