G J Daniell and J G McEwen 1984 Eur. J. Phys. 5 215 doi:10.1088/0143-0807/5/4/005
G J Daniell and J G McEwen
Show affiliationsThe authors describe an experiment which introduces undergraduates to computer simulations of physical systems and teaches them about the kinetic theory of gases. The behaviour of a seven molecule one-dimensional perfect gas is simulated on a microcomputer. The program can be used to illustrate the development of thermal equilibrium, the equipartition of energy, and the distinction, at a molecular level, between isothermal, adiabatic and Joule expansions. A value for the ratio of specific heats can be obtained which agrees well with elementary theory.
51.10.+y Kinetic and transport theory of gases
51.30.+i Thermodynamic properties, equations of state
Issue 4 (October 1984)
G J Daniell and J G McEwen 1984 Eur. J. Phys. 5 215
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