Kinetic Molecular Theory

Kinetic Molecular Theory

The kinetic molecular theory is a theory that explains the states of matter and is based on the idea that matter is composed of tiny particles that are always in motion. The theory helps explain observable properties and behaviors of solids, liquids, and gases. However, the theory is most easily understood as it applies to gases.

The kinetic molecular theory applies specifically to a model of a gas called an ideal gas. An ideal gas is an imaginary gas whose behavior fits all the assumptions of the kinetic molecular theory. In this interactivity, click on each of the panels to explore the five assumptions of the kinetic molecular theory.

Download a printable version of the interactivity.

 

Temperature, Pressure, Volume, and Amount of Gas

The volume of a gas can change as a result of a temperature change. So can its pressure. The pressure will also change if the amount of gas is changed. The pressure increases if the volume of the container is decreased. Sound complicated? It is actually not complicated at all. View this presentation to learn how pressure, volume, temperature, and the amount of gas are measured and converted.

Download a printable version of the interactivity.

 

Pressure Conversions

To complete the conversion between the different types of gases you will need to use dimensional analysis and the standard pressures. Imagine that you had 0.935 atm of gas and you needed this quantity in millimeters of mercury. To complete the conversion set-up dimensional analysis and solve, examine the image to the right. You can see that 0.935 atm of gas is equal to 710.6 millimeters of mercury. All of the pressure conversions are set-up in a similar fashion. Make sure to use the standard pressures when converting.

Temperature and Pressure Conversion Review

Now that you have learned how to convert both temperature and pressure measurements, complete this activity to test your knowledge. n this activity, read each question and complete the conversion. Once you have completed the conversion, enter your answer in the blank space provided. To check your responses, click SUBMIT. Click the interactivity thumbnail, and then click NEXT to get started.