Kinetic theory and gas molecules

In summary, The kinetic theory explains that gas molecules move randomly and with high speed, exerting a great force due to their small area. This should result in high pressure and the molecules being able to escape, but this does not happen. This is because the area of each molecule is very small compared to their mass, which scales with length3 while area scales with length2. As a result, pressure, which is a macroscopic concept, is not useful for understanding atomic level interactions.
  • #1
adjacent
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The kinetic theory states that the gas molecules are randomly colliding with each other and with the wall of the container with high speed.The area of each molecule is very less and as they are moving with high speed,they exert great force. since the pressure is force/area , the pressure should be very high and each gas molecules should be able to drill holes and escape.
But this doesn't happen.Why?
 
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  • #2
adjacent said:
The area of each molecule is very less ...
Their mass is much more less. Area scales with length2, mass with length3.

since the pressure is force/area
Pressure is a macroscopic concept, which is not useful for atomic level interactions.
 

Related to Kinetic theory and gas molecules

1. What is the kinetic theory of matter?

The kinetic theory of matter states that all matter is made up of tiny particles in constant motion. This motion is known as kinetic energy and it is influenced by factors such as temperature and pressure.

2. How do gas molecules behave according to the kinetic theory?

According to the kinetic theory, gas molecules are in constant, random motion. They collide with each other and with the walls of their container, exerting pressure. The average kinetic energy of gas molecules is directly proportional to the temperature of the gas.

3. How does temperature affect the behavior of gas molecules?

An increase in temperature causes gas molecules to move faster and collide more frequently. This results in an increase in the pressure of the gas. On the other hand, a decrease in temperature causes gas molecules to move slower and collide less frequently, resulting in a decrease in pressure.

4. What is an ideal gas according to the kinetic theory?

An ideal gas is a theoretical gas that follows all the assumptions of the kinetic theory. These assumptions include that the gas molecules have no volume, there are no intermolecular forces between the molecules, and all collisions are perfectly elastic.

5. How does the volume of a gas affect its pressure according to the kinetic theory?

According to the kinetic theory, the volume of a gas is directly proportional to its pressure. This means that if the volume of a gas is decreased, the molecules will collide more frequently with the walls of the container, resulting in an increase in pressure. Similarly, if the volume is increased, the pressure will decrease due to less frequent collisions.

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