Question

On the basis of molecular theory, explain why gas has the property to fill the entire space available to it.

Answer 1

• Gases take up all of the space accessible to them.
• The intermolecular interactions are too weak in comparison to liquid or solid interactions, i.e., the forces between gas molecules are minimal, which is why gas molecules are free to move.
• Also due to the larger intermolecular space particles molecules are present in random motion. They are free to occupy any space.
• Therefore, the molecules move independently, and therefore, gases neither have a definite shape nor definite volume.
• They can fill in the entire space in which they are enclosed.