According to the kinetic molecular theory, which of the following describes the properties of an ideal gas at a temperature of 0 kelvin?

• A. The gas particles have zero kinetic energy and all motion ceases.
• B. The gas particles undergo frequent collisions with the container walls.
• C. The gas pressure reaches its highest possible value.
• D. The gas particles move at their maximum speed.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the kinetic molecular theory, which states that the temperature of a gas is directly related to the average kinetic energy of its particles.
2. Understand that at 0 kelvin (absolute zero), the temperature is the lowest possible, meaning the particles have minimal thermal energy.
3. Recognize that kinetic energy is given by the formula \(KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2\), where \(m\) is mass and \(v\) is velocity; at 0 K, the velocity \(v\) approaches zero.
4. Conclude that if the particles have zero kinetic energy, they effectively stop moving, so there are no collisions with container walls and no pressure exerted by the gas.
5. Therefore, the correct description is that the gas particles have zero kinetic energy and all motion ceases at 0 kelvin.