What Is Kinetic Molecular Theory For Gases

Behavior of all the gases is similar to each other. To explain the similar behavior of all the gases, a model was devised. This model is known as kinetic molecular theory of gases.

Main Postulates:

The postulates of this theory are:

1. Gases are made up of molecules, which are far apart from each other. Spaces between them are very large as compared to their sizes.
2. The actual volume of the molecules is negligible as compared to their volume, which they occupy in gaseous state.
3. The molecules of gases neither attract nor repel each other.
4. The molecules of gases move continuously in haphazard motion but in straight lines.
5. The collisions of gas molecules with each other and with the walls of the container are perfectly elastic.
6. The pressure of a gas is the result of the collision between the molecules and the walls of the container.
7. Due to motion molecules of gases possess kinetic energy equal to 1/2 mv².
8. The average kinetic energy and average speed of the molecules of a gas is directly proportional to its absolute temperature.
9. At the same temperature, molecules of all the gases have the same average kinetic energy.