The ideal gas temperature

Abstract We shall introduce first the properties of an ideal gas, starting with the ideal gas law and the elementary kinetic theory of gases. In effect we begin by taking a microscopic approach because most beginners feel comfortable with the basic concepts involved. Remember that the primary purpose of this chapter, and the two which follow, is not to develop the physical properties of ideal gases as such. Instead we shall use the ideal gas as an example to introduce some important thermodynamic ideas. An ideal gas is one in which the long-range interactions between the atoms or molecules can be ignored. I assume that you know the atoms of the gas move about incessantly, colliding with the walls of the containing vessel and with each other. In an ideal gas the duration of these encounters is short compared with the time the atoms spend in free motion between collisions.