I tried understanding the PV=NkT equation in Wikipedia....... but I only had a spare hour......
Christian, can you remind me: are there the same number of molecules (atoms) of all gases for (e.g) 1 litre of gas at 0 degrees C and 1 atmosphere? Don't I remember that being something to do with Avogadro?
Do we therefore assume that some molecules of gas take more energy than others to start moving faster (and thus 'heat')? Assuming that the increase in speed (and thus temp) would be proportional to the atomic mass (molecular mass?).... doesn't that imply that the higher the atomic number of the gas, the LESS it will 'heat' for a given amount of energy? On the basis that pressure increases with temp, then a HIGH 'atomic mass' gas would stay at more 'stable' pressures within a tyre than one with a low atomic mass?
I accept that's probably wrong but..... it would imply that a LOW atomic mass (Helium is the 2nd lowest) would be WORST for tyres as it's pressure would increase faster for any increase in energy imput? If not..... why not?
Ian
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