According to the kinetic molecular theory, what happens to the gas particles when a gas is compressed?

• A. The gas particles decrease in size.
• B. The gas particles are forced closer together, increasing the frequency of collisions.
• C. The gas particles lose kinetic energy and move more slowly.
• D. The gas particles begin to attract each other strongly.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the main postulates of the kinetic molecular theory, which describe the behavior of ideal gas particles, including their size, motion, and interactions.
2. Understand that gas particles are considered to have negligible volume and do not change in size when compressed; instead, the space between them changes.
3. Recognize that compressing a gas reduces the volume available, forcing the particles closer together, which increases the frequency of collisions between them.
4. Note that according to the kinetic molecular theory, the kinetic energy of gas particles depends primarily on temperature, so compression alone does not necessarily cause them to lose kinetic energy or slow down.
5. Also, ideal gas particles are assumed to have no significant attractive forces; thus, compression does not cause them to attract each other strongly under ideal conditions.