Kinetic Molecular Theory and Properties of Matter

Flashcards covering key concepts from Kinetic Molecular Theory and the properties of gases, liquids, and solids.

Kinetic Molecular Theory (KMT)

A theory that explains the behavior of gases in terms of particles in motion.

Density

The mass per unit volume of a substance, influencing how packed the molecules are.

Compressibility

The ability of a substance to decrease in volume under pressure.

Diffusion

The process by which molecules spread from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration.

Intermolecular Forces (IMFs)

Forces of attraction or repulsion between neighboring particles (atoms, molecules, or ions).

London Dispersion Forces

Weakest intermolecular forces, arising from temporary dipoles in nonpolar molecules.

Dipole-Dipole Forces

Intermolecular forces that occur between polar molecules due to positive and negative ends.

Hydrogen Bonding

Strong intermolecular attraction between a hydrogen atom bonded to a highly electronegative atom and another electronegative atom.

Ionic Bond

A type of chemical bond formed through the electrostatic attraction between ions with opposite charges.

Covalent Bond

A bond formed by the sharing of electron pairs between atoms.

Metallic Bond

A bond characterized by the delocalization of electrons in metallic elements.

Polar Molecule

A molecule with an uneven distribution of charges, resulting in a positive end and a negative end.

Nonpolar Molecule

A molecule that has symmetrical charge distribution, resulting in no distinct charge separation.

Alloy

A mixture of two or more elements, where at least one is a metal, enhancing material properties.

Volatility

The tendency of a substance to vaporize; inverted relationship with the strength of intermolecular forces.

Melting Point

The temperature at which a solid becomes a liquid, depending on intermolecular forces.

Boiling Point

The temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid equals the external pressure.

Vapor Pressure

The pressure exerted by a vapor in equilibrium with its liquid or solid phase.

Phase Change

The transition of a substance from one state of matter to another (i.e., solid, liquid, gas).