Name: __________________________Grade & Section: _______________ Date: ___________

Topic: Kinetic Molecular Theory

Learning Competency: Explains these relationships using the kinetic molecular theory
(S10MT-Iva-b-21)
Objective: Explain the different laws of gases using the kinetic molecular theory.

Basic Concepts:
To explain the behavior of gases, we use the Kinetic Molecular Theory. The word kinetic
refers to the motion of the molecules, which constantly move and fly about in all directions. This
theory pictures each gas molecule as a tiny particle. A molecule will collide with any object in its
path, such as another molecule or the walls of the container. When it collides with an object, it
bounces away in another direction like a billiard ball.

Kinetic Molecular Theory states that:

a. Gases are composed of molecules. The distances from one molecule to another molecule are far
greater than the molecules dimensions. These molecules can be considered as spherical bodies which
possess negligible mass and volume. Therefore, the volume occupied by a gas is assumed to be
mostly empty space.

Figure 1. Molecules of Gases

b. Gas molecules are always in constant random motion and they frequently collide with one another
and with the walls of the container. Collision among molecules are perfectly elastic, that is, energy
may transfer from molecule to molecule as the result of collision but the total energy of all the
molecules in the system remains the same/constant. No energy is lost during collisions.

Figure 2. Molecules of Gases in Random Motion

c. There is a neither attractive nor repulsive force between or among gas molecules.

d. Movement of gas molecules is affected by temperature. The average kinetic of the molecules is
directly related to the temperature of gas.
The Kinetic Molecular Theory (KMT) explains the properties of gases and describes the behavior of
gases.

So far, you have learned that gases have mass, volume, temperature and it exerts pressure.
The pressure exerted by gas molecules is due to collision among gas molecules and with the walls of
the container. The frequency of collision is affected by temperature because gas molecules move
faster at high temperature, on the other hand, they move slowly at low temperature. The faster the
movement of the molecules, the more frequent the collision, causing an increase in pressure.

*higher temperature = faster movement = frequent collisions = increased pressure

The properties of gases can be varied. Not all gases behave ideally. Most of gases found in
nature conform to the principles of Boyle’s Law and Charles Law.

Gas particles have a very weak intermolecular force of attraction, hence they move as far as
possible from each other. They have the tendency to occupy all the spaces they are contained in. If
the pressure is increased, the volume will be decreased forcing the gas particles to move closer to one
another. This relationship between volume of a fixed amount of gas is inversely proportional to its
pressure at a constant temperature, was determined by Robert Boyle and named after him as Boyle’s
Law.

*volume of a fixed amount of gas is inversely proportional to its pressure at a constant temperature

On the other hand, volume increases because the temperature increases too. Gas molecules
move faster at high temperature, thus there is frequent collision and so it will occupy bigger space,
thus increasing the volume. In other words, the volume of a gas is directly proportional to its
temperature at constant pressure. This gas law was proposed by Jacques Charles and named after
him as Charles’ Law.

*volume of gas is directly proportional to its temperature at constant pressure

Activity 1: TRUE or FALSE

Identify and underline the possible weakness or flaws in the postulates. Write TRUE if the
postulate is accurate and FALSE if the postulate is flawed.

Postulates:
____f____1. A gas consists of a collection of small particles traveling in straight line motion and
obeying Newton’s Laws.
____t____2. The molecules in a gas occupy negligible volume.
____t____3. Collisions between molecules are perfectly elastic (that is, no energy is gained nor lost
during the collision).
____f____4. There are negligible, attractive, or repulsive forces between molecules.
____f____5. The average kinetic energy of a molecule is constant.
Activity 2: Matching Type
In Column A, an illustration is presented that describe different phenomena, connect it with column
B as to explain its relationship to Kinetic Molecular Theory by drawing a line to connect them.

Column A Column B
Movement of gas molecules is not affected by
temperature. The high temperature causes the
pressure inside the can to decrease resulting
to inflate.

As the underwater depth increases, the

pressure increases. Scuba equipment
provides air at a pressure equal to the
surrounding water pressure. This allows
divers lungs to function at their normal
volume although at a higher pressure.

High temperature causes air inside the tire to

expand resulting to explosion.

Gas molecules move slowly at high temperature.

z As the temperature increases, hot air balloon rise
& obtain its minimal volume as gases compress.

As the underwater depth increases, the pressure

increases. Scuba equipment provides air at a
pressure doubled to the surrounding water.
This allows divers lungs to function at their
normal normal volume although at a higher pressure.

Movement of gas molecules is affected by

temperature. The high temperature causes the
pressure inside the can to increase resulting to
explode.

Gas molecules move faster at high temperature.

as the temperature increases, hot air balloon rise
and obtain its full volume as gases expand.

Cold temperature causes air inside the tire to

expand resulting to explosion.
Activity 3: Multiple Choice
Encircle the letter of the correct answer.
1. According to the Kinetic Molecular Theory, what causes gas pressure?
A. total mass of the gas particles
B. forces of repulsion between gas particles
C. energy gained by each particle upon collision
D. collision of particles on the walls of the container
2. Records show that the incident of tire explosion is higher during summer days. Which best
explains the observation?
A. There are more travelers during summer days.
B. High temperature causes air inside the tire to expand.
C. Vehicle’s tire is not well-maintained during summers.
D. There is too much air inside the tire causing it to explode.
3. Jane can still pump air in the party balloon even though it is already inflated. What explains
this phenomenon?
A. The air inside the balloon is hot.
B. Balloons are made up of plastic.
C. Air molecules can be compressed
D. Balloons look better if its size is bigger.
4. Which of the following phenomena best illustrates Charles’ Law?
A. carbon dioxide dissolved in water
B. breathing apparatus being used by a patient
C. leavening agent causing the fluffiness of cake products
D. expansion of the balloon as it is being submerged in hot water
5. What is most likely to happen when an aerosol can is heated? The can will
A. tarnish.
B. be deformed. .
C. eventually explodes.
D. remains unchanged.
6. The temperature of Nitrogen gas contained in a not rigid vessel is reduced from 100°C to
5.0°C?
Which of the following describes the resulting behavior of nitrogen gas molecules?
I. The average kinetic energy suddenly increases, thus the pressure increases
II. The average kinetic energy suddenly decreases, thus the pressure decreases
III. The volume occupied by the gas molecules suddenly increase, thus the container expands.
IV. The volume occupied by the gas molecules suddenly decreases, thus the container shrink.
A. I & III
B. II & IV
C. I & IV
D. II & II
Summary:
Kinetic Molecular Theory explained the Behavior of the gas molecules:
a. Gases are composed of molecules. The distances from the molecule to molecules are far greater
than the molecules’ dimension. These molecules can be considered as spherical bodies which possess
negligible mass and volume.
b. Gas molecules are always in constant random motion and they frequently collide with each other
and with the walls of the container. Collisions among molecules are perfectly elastic, that is, energy
may transfer from molecule to molecules in the system remains the same/ constant.
c. There is negligible attractive or repulsive force between or among gas molecules.
d. Movement of gas molecules is affected by temperature. The average kinetic of the molecules is
directly related to the temperature of gas.
The relationship of Boyle’s Law tells us that the volume of a fixed amount of gas is inversely
proportional, to its pressure at a constant temperature. On the other hand, Charles’ Law states that at
a constant pressure, the volume of a fixed amount of gas is directly proportional to the Kelvin (K)
temperature.

References:
Science 10 Learner’s Material, Department of Education
The New Grade 10 Exploring Life Through Science Series, Phoenix Publishing House

This worksheet is exclusive for DepEd Digos City use only.

Prepared by:

VEMA M. ABUEVA
Secondary School Teacher III
Digos City National High School