Which statement describes a limitation of the kinetic-molecular theory for a gas?

• A. It accounts for the attractive forces between gas particles at all temperatures.
• B. It accurately predicts the behavior of all gases under all conditions.
• C. It explains the behavior of solids and liquids as well as gases.
• D. It assumes that gas particles have no volume, which is not true for real gases at high pressures.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the kinetic-molecular theory (KMT) models gases based on several assumptions about particle behavior, such as particles being in constant random motion and having negligible volume.
2. Identify the key assumptions of KMT: gas particles have no volume, there are no intermolecular forces between particles, and collisions are perfectly elastic.
3. Understand that these assumptions work well for ideal gases at low pressure and high temperature but fail under conditions where gas particles are close together, such as high pressure or low temperature.
4. Recognize that one major limitation is the assumption that gas particles have no volume, which is not true for real gases, especially at high pressures where particle volume becomes significant.
5. Conclude that this limitation means KMT cannot accurately predict the behavior of real gases under all conditions, particularly when particle volume and intermolecular forces affect gas behavior.