1. Kinetic Theory of Gases 4 Main Postulates

2. Kinetic Theory Postulate 1 – Gases consist of tiny particles (atoms or molecules) whose size is negligible compared with the great distance separating them.

3. Kinetic Theory Postulate 2 – Gases particles are in constant, random motion. – Particles collide with each other, walls of container, other objects. – RESULTS IN GAS PRESSURE: force of collisions with container wall per area.

4. Kinetic Theory Postulate 3 – Molecular or atomic gas particle collisions are elastic. – Individual particles may gain or lose energy… BUT, total kinetic energy of a gas sample stays the same.

5. Kinetic Theory Postulate 4 – At a given temperature, molecules can have a range of kinetic energies. – THE AVERAGE KINETIC ENERGY OF THE PARTICLES IN A SAMPLE IS CONSTANT. The kinetic energy of a sample ONLY depends on temperature.

6. Kinetic Theory Postulate 4