Kinetic theory and gas molecules

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The kinetic theory of gases explains that gas molecules collide randomly and rapidly with each other and the walls of their container, exerting significant force due to their high speed. Despite the high pressure suggested by the force-to-area ratio, gas molecules do not escape because their surface area is minimal compared to their mass, which scales with volume. This discrepancy highlights that pressure, a macroscopic concept, does not accurately represent atomic-level interactions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinetic theory principles
  • Familiarity with macroscopic vs. microscopic concepts in physics
  • Basic knowledge of gas laws and pressure calculations
  • Concept of molecular mass and area scaling
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of kinetic theory on gas laws
  • Explore the relationship between pressure and molecular motion
  • Study the differences between macroscopic and microscopic physical concepts
  • Investigate real-world applications of kinetic theory in thermodynamics
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching gas laws, and researchers interested in molecular dynamics and thermodynamics will benefit from this discussion.

adjacent
Gold Member
Messages
1,552
Reaction score
62
The kinetic theory states that the gas molecules are randomly colliding with each other and with the wall of the container with high speed.The area of each molecule is very less and as they are moving with high speed,they exert great force. since the pressure is force/area , the pressure should be very high and each gas molecules should be able to drill holes and escape.
But this doesn't happen.Why?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
adjacent said:
The area of each molecule is very less ...
Their mass is much more less. Area scales with length2, mass with length3.

since the pressure is force/area
Pressure is a macroscopic concept, which is not useful for atomic level interactions.
 

Similar threads

High School Parcel theory -- how can there be buoyancy with miscible gases?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Graduate Time of Impact of Gas Molecules on the Inner Wall of a Pressure Vessel
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Graduate Pressure exerted by a gas (derivation using the kinetic theory of gases)
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Undergrad Kinetic theory of gases: rebound speed and force questions
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Undergrad Pressure should decrease in zero gravity?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Question about the collisions of the molecules in an ideal gas
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
3K
Undergrad (2/3) as constant factor In Kinetic theory of gases
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Graduate How Does Box Size Affect Kinetic Energy Calculations in Gas Molecules?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
High School Collision time interval of a gas molecule with wall of container
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Graduate Why Is Time Represented as 2d/v in Kinetic Gas Theory Calculations?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K