Kinetic theory of gases

physics

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Kinetic theory of gases, a theory based on a simplified molecular or

particle description of a gas, from which many gross properties of the
gas can be derived.

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gas: Kinetic theory of gases

 The aim of kinetic theory is to account for the properties of gases in terms of the

forces between the molecules, assuming that their motions...

The British scientist James Clerk Maxwell and the Austrian

physicist Ludwig Boltzmann, in the 19th century, led in establishing
the theory, which became one of the most important concepts in
modern science.

The simplest kinetic model is based on the assumptions that: (1) the
gas is composed of a large number of identical molecules moving in
random directions, separated by distances that are large compared
with their size; (2) the molecules undergo perfectly elastic collisions
(no energy loss) with each other and with the walls of the container,
but otherwise do not interact; and (3) the transfer of kinetic
energy between molecules is heat. These simplifying assumptions
bring the characteristics of gases within the range of mathematical
treatment.

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Such a model describes a perfect gas and is a reasonable
approximation to a real gas, particularly in the limit of extreme
dilution and high temperature. Such a simplified description, however,
is not sufficiently precise to account for the behaviour of gases at high
densities.

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Based on the kinetic theory, pressure on the container walls can be

quantitatively attributed to random collisions of molecules the average
energy of which depends upon the gas temperature. The gas pressure
can therefore be related directly to temperature and density. Many
other gross properties of the gas can be derived, such as viscosity,
thermal and electrical conductivity, diffusion, heat capacity, and
mobility. In order to explain observed deviations from perfect gas
behaviour, such as condensation, the assumptions must be
appropriately modified. In doing so, considerable insight has been
gained as to the nature of molecular dynamics and interactions.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by  Erik
Gregersen, Senior Editor.