Which of the following is a postulate of the kinetic molecular theory?

• A. The temperature of a gas is independent of the average kinetic energy of its particles.
• B. Gas particles are attracted to each other by strong intermolecular forces.
• C. Gas particles are in constant, random motion and collide elastically with the walls of the container.
• D. The volume of the gas particles is significant compared to the total volume of the gas.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the kinetic molecular theory explains the behavior of ideal gases based on several key postulates about the motion and interactions of gas particles.
2. One important postulate is that gas particles are in constant, random motion, meaning they move in straight lines until they collide with either the container walls or other particles.
3. Another key idea is that collisions between gas particles and with the container walls are elastic, meaning there is no net loss of kinetic energy during these collisions.
4. The theory assumes that the volume of individual gas particles is negligible compared to the total volume of the gas, so the particles themselves take up very little space.
5. It also assumes that there are no significant intermolecular forces between gas particles, so they do not attract or repel each other under ideal conditions.