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

• A. Gas particles lose energy with each collision, eventually coming to rest.
• B. The volume of a gas particle is significant compared to the total volume of the gas.
• C. Gas particles are in constant, random motion and collide elastically with the walls of the container.
• D. Gas particles attract each other strongly, causing them to condense at room temperature.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the kinetic molecular theory (KMT) explains the behavior of ideal gases based on several key postulates about gas particles.
2. Recall that one fundamental postulate of KMT is that gas particles are in constant, random motion, which explains properties like pressure and diffusion.
3. Recognize that KMT assumes gas particles have negligible volume compared to the container, so the volume of individual particles is not significant.
4. Know that collisions between gas particles and with the container walls are perfectly elastic, meaning no net loss of kinetic energy occurs during collisions.
5. Identify that KMT assumes no significant attractive or repulsive forces between gas particles, so they do not lose energy or condense under normal conditions.