UIUC Physics Lecture Demo: Bicycle Pump Piston with Thermometer

UIUC Physics
Lecture Demonstration
Database

Demo # 343

Bicycle Pump Piston with Thermometer

ID # 343

Description:

A temperature probe is inserted in the pump hose (black). The hose is blocked so that no air can escape when its plunger is depressed. This causes the pressure due to the air in the pump to increase. Then use the temperature probe to see what happens to the temperature.

Picture of Bicycle Pump Piston with Thermometer

Physics Concept:

Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
Gas Laws
Ideal Gas Law

The demonstration takes about 3 minutes to perform.