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.

Thanks for using the RSC’s education resources. You can view one resource per month as a visitor, or two resources per month when you’re logged in with a personal account.

A photograph of a teacher standing in a white lab coat, speaking with a class of children in a laboratory, is superimposed on a colourful background. Text reads "Teach Chemistry means support for classroom and staff room".

Register for Teach Chemistry for free, unlimited access

Registration is open to all teachers and technicians at secondary schools, colleges and teacher training institutions in the UK and Ireland.

Get all this, plus much more: 

  • unlimited access to resources, core practical videos and Education in Chemistry articles
  • teacher well-being toolkit, personal development resources and online assessments
  • applications for funding to support your lessons

Already a Teach Chemistry member? Sign in now.

Not a science teacher or technician based in the UK or Ireland? Don’t worry – you can also access all our resources with Royal Society of Chemistry membership.