Examkin

Question

Difficulty: EasyPostulates of Kinetic Theory and States of Matter

According to the kinetic molecular theory, collisions between gas particles and the walls of their container are completely inelastic, resulting in a continuous loss of kinetic energy.

Answer: Answer

Answer

The statement is False. Collisions of gas particles with container walls are assumed to be perfectly elastic, meaning no kinetic energy is lost.
The statement is incorrect because kinetic molecular theory assumes perfectly elastic collisions, preserving total kinetic energy and sustaining constant pressure.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the kinetic molecular theory postulate concerning molecular collisions.
The kinetic molecular theory specifies that all collisions between gas molecules or between molecules and the container walls are perfectly elastic.
Elasticity ensures that the average kinetic energy of the gas remains constant at a given temperature.
2
Compare the statement with the established postulate.
The statement claims collisions are 'completely inelastic' with a 'continuous loss of kinetic energy', which directly contradicts the elastic collision postulate.
An inelastic collision process would violate energy conservation for ideal gas systems at thermal equilibrium.

Key Concept

Elasticity of Collisions in Kinetic Molecular Theory
Rate this question

Topics

Postulates of Kinetic Theory and States of Matter