U1 Mod1 Kinetic Theory

page

1 of 5

KINETIC THEORY Assumptions of the kinetic theory in relation to ideal gases 1. Molecules are in constant, random motion. The rapidly moving particles constantly collide with the walls of the container which results in pressure . 2. The collisions of gas particles with the walls of the container holding them are perfectly elastic. 3. The interactions among molecules are negligible. They exert no forces on one another except during collisions. 4. The average kinetic energy of the gas particles depends only on the temperature of the system. 5. The volume of the individual gas molecules is negligible compared to the volume that the gas occupies. Note: An ideal gas is one which obeys both Boyles AND Charles Law Real gas vs ideal gas Real gas Collisions between molecules are NOT perfectly elastic i.e. there is energy lost with each collision Molecules are attracted to each other via inter-particle forces at low temperatures At high pressures the volume of the molecules are not negligible compared the volume the gas occupies Does not obey the Ideal Gas Equation under all conditions Ideal gas Collisions between molecules are perfectly elastic There are no attractions between molecules at any temperature The volume of the individual gas molecules is negligible compared to the volume that the gas occupies at any pressure Obeys the Ideal gas Equation under all conditions

Conditions needed to approach ideal gas behaviour 1. Low pressures This allows for the volume of the gas to be large, allowing the assumption that the volume of the individual molecules is negligible to the volume the gas occupies. 2. High temperatures This allows for the energy levels of the molecules to be very high, resulting in no attractions between individual molecules Conditions which cause deviations from ideal gas behaviour High pressures which would make the volume that the gas occupies very small. This nullifies the assumption that the volume of the individual molecules is

U1 Mod1 Kinetic Theory

page

2 of 5

negligible to the volume the gas occupies. Low temperatures result in forces of attraction between the molecules nullifying the third assumption. Checkpoint A 1. What is an ideal gas? .. 2. Why wouldnt hydrogen gas show ideal behaviour at very low temperatures e.g. -250 C? . 3. According to the kinetic theory, how is the pressure of a gas formed? . Boyles Law At a constant temperature, the pressure of a gas is indirectly proportional to its volume or pressure is directly proportional to the inverse of its volume i.e. P 1 or PV = constant OR P1V1 = P2V2 (can be used for V calculations)

Graphical representation of Boyles Law

OR
Charles Law At a constant pressure, the volume of a gas is directly proportional to its temperature i.e. Or V = constant T or V1 = V2 (used for calculations) T1 T2

U1 Mod1 Kinetic Theory

page

3 of 5

Graphical representation of Charles Law Checkpoint B 1. Why would an increase in pressure cause the volume of a gas to decrease? 2. Why would an increase in temperature cause the volume of a gas to increase? 3. Why did the volumes of gas at extremely low temperatures had to be extrapolated and not determined experimentally? Ideal gas law/equation Combining the two equations, we form the Ideal Gas Equation PV = nRT P = pressure, V = volume, n = # of moles of the gas, R is the universal gas constant and T is temperature in Kelvin Remember if the pressure is in kilopascals kPa, the volume HAS TO BE IN dm3, however if the pressure is in pascals Pa, the volume HAS TO BE IN m3 1000 dm3 = 1 m3 Please note R is either 8.314 if pressure is in Pa or kPa, or it
would 0.08216 if pressure is in atmospheres (atm)

A different form of the ideal gas equation can be used to determine the molar

mass of a gas This equation can also be used to calculate the molar mass of a gas. Another equation called The Combined Gas Law (this is used when two gases are involved)

U1 Mod1 Kinetic Theory

page

4 of 5

Using kinetic theory to explain the liquid state, melting and vaporisation Liquid state In liquids, the particles are constantly in motion. However these particles are grouped as units or clusters. The inter-molecular forces are weaker than those in solids but stronger than those in gases. Their movement is random. Melting When a solid is heated the particles gain energy and start to vibrate faster and faster. Initially the structure is gradually weakened which has the effect of expanding the solid. Further heating provides more energy until the particles start to break free of the structure. Although the particles are still loosely connected they are able to move around. At this point the solid is melting to form a liquid. The particles in the liquid are the same as in the solid but they have more energy. To melt a solid energy is required to overcome the attractions between the particles and allow them to pull them apart. The energy is provided when the solid is heated up. The temperature at which something melts is called its "melting point" or melting temperature. Vaporisation (both evaporation and boiling) Evaporating Within a liquid some particles have more energy than other. These "more energetic particles" may have sufficient energy to escape from the surface of the liquid as gas or vapour. This process is called evaporation and the result of evaporation is commonly observed when puddles or clothes dry. Evaporation takes place at room temperature which is often well below the boiling point of the liquid. Evaporation happens from the surface of the liquid. As the temperature increases the rate of evaporation increases. Evaporation is also assisted by windy conditions which help to remove the vapour particles from the liquid so that more escape. Boiling If a liquid is heated the particles are given more energy and move faster and faster expanding the liquid. The most energetic particles at the surface escape from the surface of the liquid as a vapour as it gets warmer. Liquids evaporate faster as they heat up and more particles have enough energy to break away. The particles need energy to overcome the attractions between them. As the liquid gets warmer more particles have sufficient energy to escape from the liquid. Eventually even particles in the middle of the liquid form bubbles of gas in the liquid. At this point the liquid is boiling and turning to gas. The particles in the gas are the same as they were in the liquid they just have more energy. At normal atmospheric pressure all materials have a specific temperature at which boiling occurs. This is called the "boiling point" or boiling temperature.

U1 Mod1 Kinetic Theory

END OF KINETIC THEORY

page

5 of 5