Which of the following is NOT one of the postulates of the kinetic molecular theory for ideal gases?

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

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the kinetic molecular theory (KMT) describes the behavior of ideal gases through a set of postulates that simplify gas particle interactions.
2. Recall the key 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 and container walls are perfectly elastic, meaning no energy is lost, and (4) There are no attractive or repulsive forces between gas particles.
3. Identify that the statement 'Gas particles experience attractive and repulsive forces between each other' contradicts the KMT assumption that there are no intermolecular forces in an ideal gas.
4. Recognize that this assumption (no intermolecular forces) is crucial because it allows gas particles to move independently and explains why ideal gases follow the ideal gas law closely.
5. Conclude that the statement about gas particles experiencing forces is NOT a postulate of the kinetic molecular theory for ideal gases.