Which of the following statements is NOT a postulate of the kinetic molecular theory?

• A. The volume of individual gas particles is negligible compared to the total volume of the gas.
• B. Gas particles are in constant, random motion.
• C. The average kinetic energy of gas particles is proportional to the absolute temperature.
• D. Gas particles experience strong attractive and repulsive forces.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the kinetic molecular theory (KMT) describes the behavior of ideal gases based on several key postulates about gas particles.
2. Identify the main postulates of KMT: (1) Gas particles have negligible volume compared to the container, (2) Gas particles are in constant, random motion, (3) Collisions between gas particles are perfectly elastic, and (4) The average kinetic energy of gas particles is proportional to the absolute temperature.
3. Examine each statement given in the problem and compare it to the known postulates of KMT.
4. Notice that the statement 'Gas particles experience strong attractive and repulsive forces' contradicts the assumption in KMT that there are no intermolecular forces between ideal gas particles.
5. Conclude that the statement about strong attractive and repulsive forces is NOT a postulate of the kinetic molecular theory.