Kinetic Molecular Theory and Gas Characteristics

Flashcards reviewing the postulates of the Kinetic Molecular Theory and the characteristics of gasses.

What is the first postulate of the Kinetic Molecular Theory?

Gases are composed of a large number of hard, spherical-shaped particles in constant random motion.

According to the Kinetic Molecular Theory, how do gas particles move?

Gas particles move in a straight line until they collide with something.

What does the Kinetic Molecular Theory say about space between gas particles?

Gases are mostly empty space.

According to the Kinetic Molecular Theory, what kind of attraction exists between gas particles?

Gases have no forces of attraction.

In the Kinetic Molecular Theory, what kind of collisions occur between gas particles?

Collisions between gas particles are perfectly elastic.

According to the Kinetic Molecular Theory, how are kinetic energy and temperature related?

Kinetic energy is directly related to temperature.

What happens to the volume of a gas when compression occurs?

Pressure increases, causing the volume to decrease.

What happens to the volume of a gas when expansion occurs?

Pressure decreases, allowing the volume to increase.

Define diffusion with respect to gases.

A gas spreads from an area of high concentration to low concentration.

Define effusion with respect to gases.

When gas escapes through a small hole, the smaller lighter particles escape first followed by larger heavier particles.