Which of the following is NOT an assumption of the kinetic-molecular theory of gases?

• A. Gas particles experience strong attractive and repulsive forces.
• B. Gas particles are in constant, random motion.
• C. The volume of individual gas particles is negligible compared to the total volume of the gas.
• D. Collisions between gas particles are perfectly elastic.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the kinetic-molecular theory of gases is a model that explains the behavior of ideal gases based on several key assumptions about gas particles and their interactions.
2. List the main assumptions of the kinetic-molecular theory: (1) Gas particles are in constant, random motion; (2) The volume of individual gas particles is negligible compared to the total volume of the gas; (3) Collisions between gas particles are perfectly elastic, meaning no energy is lost during collisions; (4) There are no significant attractive or repulsive forces between gas particles.
3. Analyze the given options and compare each to the assumptions listed: The statement 'Gas particles experience strong attractive and repulsive forces' contradicts the assumption that there are no significant intermolecular forces in an ideal gas.
4. Identify that the statement about strong attractive and repulsive forces is NOT an assumption of the kinetic-molecular theory, because the theory assumes these forces are negligible to simplify the model.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is the statement about strong attractive and repulsive forces, as it does not align with the kinetic-molecular theory assumptions.