Air, It's Really There

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This lesson focuses on molecular motion in gases. Learners compare the mass of a basketball when it is deflated and after it has been inflated. The inflated ball has the greater mass so learners can conclude that gas is matter because it has mass and takes up space. Then learners consider how heating and cooling affect molecular motion in gases. They dip the mouth of a bottle in detergent solution and observe a bubble growing and shrinking when the bottle is warmed and cooled. Learners will discover that the attractions between gas molecules are so minimal that attractions can’t be used to explain the behavior of gases like they can for liquids and solids.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Demonstration, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 2 clear plastic cups
  • 8-oz plastic bottle
  • Detergent solution in a cup
  • Hot water (about 50 °C)
  • Cold water
  • Basketball, very deflated
  • Balance that measures in grams
  • Pump
  • Can of compressed gas (available at any office supply store)
  • Goggles

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Heat and Thermodynamics
      • Heat and Temperature
    • Chemistry
    • States of Matter
      • Solids
      • Liquids
      • Gases
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Elementary Particles and Nuclear Physics
      • Mass and Weight
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Informal Categories

  • Sports and Exercise
  • Toys

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, American Chemistry Society, 2011