Which of the following is NOT a basic postulate of the kinetic molecular theory of gases?

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

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the kinetic molecular theory of gases is based on several key postulates that describe the behavior of ideal gases.
2. Identify the main assumptions: (1) Gas particles are in constant, random motion; (2) The volume of individual gas particles is negligible compared to the volume of the container; (3) Collisions between gas particles are perfectly elastic, meaning no energy is lost during collisions.
3. Understand that the theory assumes gas particles do NOT experience strong attractive or repulsive forces; instead, the particles are considered to have negligible intermolecular forces.
4. Compare each given statement to these postulates to determine which one contradicts the theory.
5. Conclude that the statement 'Gas particles experience strong attractive and repulsive forces' is NOT a basic postulate of the kinetic molecular theory of gases because the theory assumes these forces are negligible.