What properties do gases have? | 16-18 years

A photograph of balloons of different sizes and in different colours, including pink, blue and red

Source: © zhengshun tang / Getty Images

Investigate the properties of gases and address common misconceptions among students using this lesson plan and series of small experiments for 16–18 year olds.

In this activity, students explore key points about gases and their properties through a diagnostic task and a series of simple experiments.

Gases are a frequent source of misconceptions for students, even at post‑16 level. This lesson is designed to reinforce students’ understanding that:

  • Gases have mass.
  • The space between gas particles is empty.
  • Gases can be formed as products in chemical reactions.
  • Gas particles can form bonds between them under certain conditions.

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