What does one of Gay-Lussac's laws state regarding the pressure of a fixed amount of gas?

Study for the OSAT Physical Science Test. Practice with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

One of Gay-Lussac's laws states that the pressure of a fixed amount of gas is directly proportional to its absolute temperature, measured in Kelvin, when the volume is held constant. This relationship can be expressed mathematically as P/T = constant, which means that as the temperature increases, the pressure of the gas also increases, provided that the volume does not change.

This principle is vital to understanding how gases behave under varying temperatures and is rooted in the kinetic molecular theory, which indicates that the speed of gas molecules increases as temperature rises, leading to more frequent and more forceful collisions with the walls of the container, thereby increasing pressure.

This law specifically highlights the important role of absolute temperature, as using Celsius or Fahrenheit could yield misleading results due to their non-linear nature around the zero points. This direct proportionality is crucial in applying the ideal gas law in practical situations.

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