Chapter 20, Problem 1PQ

To determine

The reason for which a gas fills the container using the kinetic theory of gases.

Answer to Problem 1PQ

The free movement of the gas particles without interaction is only altered by the walls of the container so that gas must fill the container.

Explanation of Solution

The atoms and molecules in gases are much more spread away from each other than in solids and liquids. Gas molecules have the capacity to vibrate and move freely in random directions at high speed. A gas will fill any container only if it’s sealed otherwise it will escape.

Gas molecules have the tendency to move away from each other as much as possible so that the collision of the atoms reduced and the stability increases. Gas can be compressed much more easily than a liquid or solid. They just move along until they collide either with a wall or with each other.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the free movement of the gas particles without interaction is only altered by the walls of the container so that gas must fill the container.