Question

List the main postulates of the kinetic molecular theory of matter.

Answer 1

The main postulates of the kinetic molecular theory of matter are as follows.

1. Matter is made up of small molecules which are identical in all respect.
2. Particles of matter have spaces between them and these empty spaces are known as intermolecular spaces. Intermolecular spaces are the largest in gases, moderate in liquids and least in solids.
3. Particles of matter attract each other with a force of attraction and this force of attraction is known as the intermolecular force of attraction. The intermolecular force of attraction is highest in solids, which binds the molecules of solids together, due to which solids exhibit a fixed shape. The intermolecular force of attraction is least in gases, by which gases do not have a fixed shape and volume.
4. The molecules of matter are continuously moving in random directions and this random motion of particles in a different direction is known as Brownian motion.
5. As molecules of matter are continuously moving, so they collide with each other and in the case of gases, they collide with the walls of the container.