One-dimensional one-atom gas
Below is a very simple model of a gas. Here, a single atom bounces
elastically in a one-dimensional cavity. It will continue to bounce
at the same speed forever if the piston does not move. If we start the
piston compressing, the atom gains speed when it bounces off the piston.
(speed after collision) = (speed before collision)+2*(piston speed). That
alone is enough to explain why a gas heats when we compress it and cools
as we allow it to expand.
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