Chapter 4, Problem 1E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The properties of gaseous states of matter in terms of kinetic theory of gases are to be interpreted.

Concept introduction:

Kinetic molecular theory of gases serves as a particulate-level explanation of the macroscopic characteristics of gases.

Answer to Problem 1E

The properties of gases that are the result of kinetic theory of gases are:

1. Gases may be compressed and expanded.

2. Gases have low densities

3. Gases exert constant pressure on the walls of the container uniformly in all directions.

Explanation of Solution

The postulates of kinetic molecular theory of gases were introduced to explain the characteristics of gaseous state of matter.

The properties of gaseous state that are the result of kinetic molecular theory of gases are:

1. Gases may be compressed and expanded: One of the postulates of the kinetic molecular theory of gases states that “A gas consists of molecules and empty spaces.” Thus, in between the molecules of gases, there is nothing. Thus, the gases can be compressed and expanded to a desired volume.

2. Gases have low densities: Density of a gas is defined as the mass per unit volume. Since, according to the kinetic molecular theory of gases, the volume occupied by the gas molecules is much smaller than the volume of the space it occupies. Also, the attractive forces are negligible among the gas molecules. Thus, density of a gas is low. The gas molecules are at much distance to each other.

3. Gases exert constant pressure on the walls of the container uniformly in all directions: According to one of the postulates of the kinetic theory of gases, “molecules interact with one another and with the container walls without loss of total kinetic energy”.

Conclusion

Therefore, the characteristics of gaseous state of matter are a result of the kinetic molecular theory of gases.