How does pressure affect temperature?

[UCstudent]

Homework Statement

Explain why the temperature of a gas increases when it is adiabatically compressed.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I said that compressing the gas would make the molecules move faster, which would increase the temperature of the gas. My professor then told me to explain why they move faster.

 

[netgypsy]

What are your muscles doing when you compress the gas?

 

[Andrew Mason]

Are you asking why the first law of thermodynamics works?

AM

 

[netgypsy]

No no just get really elemental here and ask yourself what physics thing are you doing with your muscles when you compress the gas. You are pushing on it and it is moving.