Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the particles of an ideal gas according to the kinetic molecular theory?
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7. Gases
Kinetic Molecular Theory
Multiple Choice
According to the kinetic molecular theory, how is the temperature of a gas related to the average kinetic energy of its particles?
A
Temperature is equal to the total kinetic energy of all particles.
B
Temperature is directly proportional to the average kinetic energy of the particles.
C
Temperature is inversely proportional to the average kinetic energy of the particles.
D
Temperature is unrelated to the average kinetic energy of the particles.
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the kinetic molecular theory explains the behavior of gases in terms of the motion of their particles.
Understand that the temperature of a gas is a measure of the average kinetic energy of its particles, not the total kinetic energy.
Use the relationship given by the kinetic molecular theory: the average kinetic energy (KE) of gas particles is proportional to the absolute temperature (T) in kelvins, expressed as \( KE_{avg} = \frac{3}{2} k_B T \), where \(k_B\) is the Boltzmann constant.
Recognize that this means if the temperature increases, the average kinetic energy of the particles increases proportionally, and if the temperature decreases, the average kinetic energy decreases proportionally.
Conclude that temperature is directly proportional to the average kinetic energy of the gas particles, which matches the correct answer choice.
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