Unit - I Kinetic Theory

Session – 1

Kinetic Theory:

Introduction:
It is known from the kinetic theory of matter all the substances are made up of small
particles called molecules. These molecules are always in a state of motion and keep on
vibrating about their mean position. All these particles attract each other and this force of
attraction between the identical molecules is called Cohesive force. Owing to this force
molecules remain together. In case of solids cohesive force is very large and does not allow
the molecules to run away from their positions as a result solids have a definite shape and
volume. In case of liquids the force of cohesion is less and the molecules are free to move
as a result the liquid has no shape of its own. However, it has a definite volume as the liquid
molecules are prevented from leaving the liquid altogether. In case of gases this cohesive
force is negligible and the gas molecules are quite free to move anywhere. Due to this gas
has no definite shape and volume. It takes the shape of the container and fills the whole of
the shape of the vessel whatever its volume may be.

Postulates or assumption of Kinetic Theory of Gases:

The kinetic theory of gases can fully account for the various phenomenon in gases
and is based on the following assumptions.

1. All gases are made of very small particles known as molecules. The molecules of gas are
identical and differ from the molecules of the other gases.
2. The size of the molecules is very small therefore it is considered as point masses and are
perfectly elastic.
3. The cohesive force between the gas molecules are negligible.
4. The molecules are in a state of continuous random motion moving with all possible
velocities from zero to infinitely in all possible directions.
5. Molecules in their motion collide with one another and with the walls of the container.
There is no loss of energy due to collision i.e., the collisions of gas molecules amongst
themselves or with walls of the container are perfectly elastic.
6. Between two successive collisions molecules move in a straight line with an uniform
velocity.
7. The time spent in collision is negligible as compared with the time spent in travelling
between successive collisions.
8. The molecules collide with the walls and with each other. At each collision their velocity
changes both in magnitude and direction, yet in the steady state the collisions do not
affect the molecular density of the gas i.e., the number of molecules per unit volume of
the gas will remains constant.

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