Question
Which two conditions can limit the usefulness of the kinetic-molecular theory in describing gas behavior? high pressure and low temperatures high pressure and medium temperatures low pressure and low temperatures square -
Answer
4.6
(163 Votes)
Callan
Advanced · Tutor for 1 years
Answer
high pressure and low temperatures
Explanation
The Kinetic-Molecular Theory of Gases works best under conditions where the gas particles are far apart and their individual volumes and intermolecular forces can be ignored. This is typically the case under low pressure and high temperature conditions. However, when the pressure is high, gas particles are forced closer together, making their finite volume and the intermolecular forces between them more significant. This deviates from the ideal gas behavior where these factors are negligible. Similarly, at low temperatures, the kinetic energy of the gas particles decreases, and the effects of intermolecular attractions become more pronounced, again leading to deviations from ideal gas behavior. Therefore, the two conditions that can limit the usefulness of the kinetic-molecular theory in describing gas behavior are high pressure and low temperatures.