Kinetic theory and Gases

➢ Gases are the state of matter in which particles possess the

greatest amount of kinetic energy and reflect the most movement.

➢ Gases are also characteristic for their changing volumes and shape.

➢ The Kinetic Theory of Matter states that matter is composed of a large

number of small particles—individual atoms or molecules—that are in
constant motion.

➢ This theory has been useful in offering an explanation for the behaviour
of gases and in this context is also called the Kinetic-Molecular Theory of
Matter and the Kinetic Theory of Gases.

➢ The important assumptions of this theory as it applies to gases are:

❏ Gases are made up of very small particles which are very far apart
and which occupy very little volume compared with the bulk of the
gas i.e. most of the given volume of a gas is empty space.
❏ The particles of a gas are in rapid, random motion, colliding with
each other and with the sides of the container.
❏ Collisions of the particles are elastic-i.e., no kinetic energy is lost
on collision.
❏ There is little attraction between the particles of the gas.
❏ The average kinetic energy of the particles is proportional to the
absolute temperature (temperature in kelvin).
❏ As temperature increases the particles move faster.

Essentially the Kinetic theory proposes that the pressure of a gas results from
collision of gas particles with each other and with the walls of the container in
which the gas is held.

Note:
 ➔ The pressure of a gas is sensitive to changes in volume and temperature;
➔ Changing volume affects the space particles have available to move about
so this will affect frequency of collisions thus affecting pressure.
➔ Changing temperature at constant volume changes the frequency and
strength of collisions thereby altering the pressure.

Consider the figure below which represents a sample of gas held in a container.

★ The gas particles are in constant, random motion.

★ They collide with each other and with the walls of the container which
generates the pressure reading for this particular gas.
★ If the container is made smaller (volume decreases) there would be more
frequent collisions among gas particles and between particles and the
sides of the container. Pressure would increase.
★ Alternatively, if the container is made larger (volume increases) there
would be less frequent collisions among gas particles and between
particles and the sides of the container. Pressure would decrease.
★ If the temperature of this gas were to increase there would now be more
frequent and more forceful collisions with each other and the walls of the
container. Pressure would increase.

The kinetic theory can be used to explain many everyday

observations involving gases and temperature. For example:
vehicle tyres become very firm on hot days. Let’s examine
this.
 ❖ The rigidity of the tyre depends on the air pressure inside it.
❖ Firmer tyres means that the pressure inside has increased.
❖ Tyres became firmer after contact with the hot road.
❖ This caused increased temperature of air inside the tyre.
❖ Which led to increased kinetic energy of gas particles.
❖ That caused more frequent and forceful collisions among air particles and
between gas particles and the walls of the tyre- pressure increased.

Homework:

Answer the following questions based on the kinetic theory and thermal
expansion in your notebooks.

1. Explain each of the following:

i. Floorboards creak at the end of a hot day.
ii. A drinking glass shatters if boiling water is poured into it.
iii. Power lines may snap if the temperature drops significantly.

2. Page 148 question 4 in Physics textbook.