Question

Give the assumptions of the kinetic molecular theory.

Answer 1

1. Gases are made of tiny particles that move in all possible directions at all possible speeds. The size of the molecules is small as compared to the volume of the occupied gas.
2. There is no force of attraction between gas particles or between the particles and the walls of the container. So, the particles are free to move in the entire space available to them.
3. The moving particles of gas collide with each other and with the walls of the container. Because of these collisions, gas molecules exert pressure. Gases exert the same pressure in all directions.
4. There is a large interparticle space between gas molecules, and this accounts for high compressibility of gases.
5. The volume of a gas increases with a decrease in pressure and an increase in temperature.
6. Gases have a low density as they have large intermolecular spaces between their molecules.
7. Gases have a natural tendency to mix with one and other because of large intermolecular spaces. So, two gases when mixed form a homogeneous gaseous mixture.
8. The intermolecular space of a gas is reduced because of cooling. Molecules come closer resulting in liquefaction of the gas.