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Difficulty: EasyKinetic Theory of Matter and Pressure of Gases

According to the kinetic theory of gases, the pressure exerted by an ideal gas on the walls of its container is primarily caused by which of the following mechanisms?

  1. The continuous elastic collisions of gas molecules with the walls of the containerAnswer
  2. B
    The gravitational attraction pulling gas molecules toward the base of the container
  3. C
    Strong attractive intermolecular forces acting between adjacent gas particles
  4. D
    Inelastic collisions between gas molecules resulting in loss of total kinetic energy

Answer

The pressure of an ideal gas is caused by the continuous elastic collisions of gas molecules with the container walls.
The correct answer states that pressure is caused by the continuous elastic collisions of gas molecules with the walls of the container. In kinetic theory, each wall collision imparts impulse to the container surface, yielding a net average force per unit area.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the microscopic origin of gas pressure in kinetic theory.
Gas molecules are in constant, random motion and frequently collide with the inner walls of the container.
Each collision results in a change of momentum of the gas molecule.
2
Relate molecular momentum change to force and pressure.
By Newton's second law, the rate of change of momentum produces a force on the wall, and force per unit area equals pressure.
Continuous elastic collisions create a steady macroscopic pressure on the walls.

Key Concept

Origin of Gas Pressure in Kinetic Theory
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Kinetic Theory of Matter and Pressure of Gases

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