The Gaseous State of Matter

The air in a hot air balloon expands when it is heated. Some of the air escapes from the top of the balloon, lowering the air density inside the balloon making the balloon buoyant. 

In chemistry, the study of the behavior of gases allows us to understand our atmosphere and the effects that gases have on our lives. 

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This chapter is the first of two devoted to specific states of matter, and in it you will focus your attention on the gaseous state of matter. However, all of the states will be described within a larger framework that looks at the state of matter as a series of interrelated factors, including kinetic energy (or temperature), pressure, and intermolecular forces. Gases are usually described by a series of postulates known as kinetic molecular theory, which constitute the ideal gas law. To begin the chapter, you will look at a historical development of the ideal gas law, during which you will review some of the equations used to create the ideal gas law. 

Plasma Gas Vapor Liquid An electrically neutral gas made up of ions and electrons. The form of matter that is an easily compressible fluid. The gaseous state of matter. The form of matter that is a relatively incompressible fluid it has a fixed volume, but no fixed shape. 

Andrews, T. 1875-76. The Bakerian lecture—On the gaseous state of matter. Proc. R. Soc. London 24 455. 

Joseph Gay-Lussac (1778-1850). Gay-Lussac s investigations of the gaseous state of matter led to the Law of Combining Volumes. 

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