# A cyclist pumps air into a bicycle tyre that has a fixed volume. After pumping, the tyre feels noticeably warmer. Explain why the pressure inside the tyre increases as air is pumped in, and why the tyre becomes warmer during this process.

> OCR GCSE Physics A: Gateway Science (J249) — P1.3 Pressure · Explain · 4 marks

> A cyclist uses a hand pump to inflate a bicycle tyre. The tyre's volume does not change as it is inflated. After pumping, the cyclist notices that the tyre feels warm to the touch.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. More air (gas) particles are introduced into the same volume
2. More frequent collisions of particles with the container walls
3. Pressure is the perpendicular force per unit area, so more frequent collisions increase the pressure
4. Work is done on the gas as it is compressed into the tyre, transferring energy to the particles, increasing their kinetic energy and raising the temperature of the gas

## Key terms

- [pressure](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/pressure)

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR GCSE Physics A: Gateway Science (J249)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-cyclist-pumps-air-into-a-610447b2) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.