This chapter presents a discussion and derivation of the ideal gas law, starting with atoms and molecules. Collisions are characterized by the impulse, the change in momentum due to the collision, determined by the product of the average force during and the time duration of a collision. A free atom or molecule in a box is used to develop the concept of pressure on a wall and, ultimately, the ideal gas law for many noninteracting molecules. The distinction between gauge pressure and absolute pressure is necessary to understand before applying the gas laws. The root mean square (rms) speed for a typical molecule is estimated to be a bit faster than the speed of sound. That is, the molecules can be expected to be supersonic. Included is a discussion of isotopes and carbon dating and their connection to the musical scale.
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