Question

What are kinetic theory of gasses postulates?

Answer 1

1. The kinetic theory of gases explains the three macroscopic properties of a gas in terms of the microscopic nature of atoms and molecules making up the gas.
2. Gases consist of a large number of tiny particles (atoms and molecules). These particles are extremely small compared to the distance between the particles. The size of the individual particle is considered negligible and most of the volume occupied by the gas is empty space.
3. These molecules are in constant random motion which results in colliding with each other and with the walls of the container. As the gas molecules collide with the walls of a container, the molecules impart some momentum to the walls. Basically, this results in the production of a force that can be measured. So, if we divide this force by the area it is defined to be the pressure.
4. The collisions between the molecules and the walls are perfectly elastic. That means when the molecules collide they do not lose kinetic energy. Molecules never slow down and will stay at the same speed.
5. The average kinetic energy of the gas particles changes with temperature. i.e., The higher the temperature, the higher the average kinetic energy of the gas.
6. The molecules do not exert any force of attraction or repulsion on one another except during collisions.