Microscopic potential energy of a gas

[ay2k]

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.

 

[ay2k]

hello...

 

[Doc Al]

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"

 

[ay2k]

no i was only considering potential energy, disregarding the kinetic energy.

 

[ay2k]

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?