Microscopic potential energy of a gas

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between the compression of gas in a syringe and its potential energy. When a piston compresses the gas, work is done on the gas, leading to an increase in its internal energy, which is often conflated with potential energy. The participants clarify that while potential energy is a factor, the primary focus should be on internal energy, which encompasses both potential and kinetic energy. The increase in internal energy due to compression can lead to a rise in temperature, as kinetic energy also increases.

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  • Understanding of thermodynamics principles
  • Familiarity with internal energy concepts
  • Knowledge of gas laws and behavior
  • Basic mechanics of work and energy transfer
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the First Law of Thermodynamics
  • Explore the relationship between internal energy and temperature in gases
  • Learn about the kinetic theory of gases
  • Investigate the effects of work done on gas systems
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Students of physics, engineers working with thermodynamic systems, and anyone interested in the principles of gas behavior under compression.

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hello
In a textbook it is stated that if a piston of a gas syringe is used to compress the gas inside. Its Potential Energy increases. Can anyone give me a reason for this?

Also please give me a gross idea that on which factors does potential energy of a gas depends.
 
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hello...
 
The piston is doing work on the gas, thus adding energy the system. If no heat (or other energy) escapes, the internal energy of the gas must increase. (Where you say potential energy, I think you mean internal energy.)

Read this: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/thermo/inteng.html"
 
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no i was only considering potential energy, disregarding the kinetic energy.
 
that link was helpful...but one last thing...
you say internal energy increases as a whole...does that mean Ek should also increase causing temp to rise as well?
 

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