Collisions of Gas Particles

Collisions of Gas Particles

Kinetic Theory
 Kinetic Molecular Theory
Postulates of the Kinetic Molecular Theory of Gases

1. Gases consist of tiny particles (atoms or molecules)

2. These particles are so small, compared with the distances between

them, that the volume (size) of the individual particles can be assumed
to be negligible (zero).

3. The particles are in constant random motion, colliding with the walls of
the container. These collisions with the walls cause the pressure exerted
by the gas.

4. The particles are assumed not to attract or to repel each other.

5. The average kinetic energy of the gas particles is directly proportional

to the Kelvin temperature of the gas
Kinetic Molecular Theory (KMT)
 explains why gases behave as they do
 deals w/“ideal” gas particles…

1. …are so small that they are assumed to have zero volume

2. …are in constant, straight-line motion

3. …experience elastic collisions in which no energy is lost
4. …have no attractive or repulsive forces toward each other
5. …have an average kinetic energy (KE) that is proportional
to the absolute temp. of gas (i.e., Kelvin temp.)

AS TEMP. , KE
Elastic vs. Inelastic Collisions

3
 Elastic vs. Inelastic Collisions

v1 POW v2
8

elastic collision

v3 v4
8

inelastic collision
 Elastic Collision

v1
8

before

v2
8

after
 Model Gas Behavior
• All collisions must be elastic
• Take one step per beat of the
metronome
• Container
– Class stands outside tape box
• Higher temperature
– Faster beats of metronome
• Decreased volume
– Divide box in half
• More Moles
– More students are inside box
 Mark area of container
with tape on ground.
 Add only a few
molecules of inert gas
 Increase temperature
 Decrease volume
 Add more gas
 Effect of diffusion
 Effect of effusion
(opening size)
 Kinetic Molecular Theory
• Particles in an ideal gas…
– have no volume.
– have elastic collisions.
– are in constant, random, straight-line motion.
– don’t attract or repel each other.
– have an avg. KE directly related to Kelvin temperature.

Courtesy Christy Johannesson www.nisd.net/communicationsarts/pages/chem

 Molecular Velocities
molecules sorted by speed

many different molecular speeds

Fractions of particles

the Maxwell speed distribution

speed

http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101/gases/slides/sld016.htm
 Real Gases
• Particles in a REAL gas…
– have their own volume
– attract each other

• Gas behavior is most ideal…

– at low pressures
– at high temperatures
– in nonpolar atoms/molecules

Courtesy Christy Johannesson www.nisd.net/communicationsarts/pages/chem

 Characteristics of Gases
Gases expand to fill any container.
– random motion, no attraction
Gases are fluids (like liquids).
– no attraction
Gases have very low densities.
– no volume = lots of empty space

Courtesy Christy Johannesson www.nisd.net/communicationsarts/pages/chem

 Characteristics of Gases
• Gases can be compressed.
– no volume = lots of empty space
• Gases undergo diffusion & effusion.
– random motion

Courtesy Christy Johannesson www.nisd.net/communicationsarts/pages/chem

 Properties of Gases

Gas properties can be modeled using math.

Model depends on:

V = volume of the gas (liters, L)

T = temperature (Kelvin, K)
P = pressure (atmospheres, atm)
n = amount (moles, mol)
Pressure - Temperature - Volume
Relationship

P T V
1
Boyle’s Pa___
V
Charles VaT

Gay-Lussac’s PaT
Pressure - Temperature - Volume
Relationship

P T
n V
1
Boyle’s Pa___
V
Charles VaT

Gay-Lussac’s PaT
 Pressure and Balloons
B
When balloon is being filled:
PA > PB
A When balloon is filled and tied:
PA = PB
When balloon deflates:
PA < PB

A = pressure exerted BY balloon

B = pressure exerted ON balloon
 Balloon Riddle

When the balloons are untied, A

will the large balloon (A) inflate
the small balloon (B); will they
end up the same size or will the
small balloon inflate the large B
balloon?

Why?

C
 Kinetic Theory and the Gas Laws

10
10 10 10

(a) (b) (c)

original temperature increased temperature increased temperature
original pressure increased pressure original pressure
original volume original volume increased volume

Dorin, Demmin, Gabel, Chemistry The Study of Matter , 3rd Edition, 1990, page 323 (newer book)