Which of the following is NOT an assumption made by the kinetic molecular theory of gases?

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

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the kinetic molecular theory (KMT) of gases is based on several key assumptions that simplify the behavior of gases to explain their macroscopic properties.
2. List the main assumptions of KMT: (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 and the container walls are perfectly elastic, meaning no energy is lost in collisions; (4) There are no significant attractive or repulsive forces between gas particles.
3. Analyze each given statement in the problem and compare it to the assumptions of KMT.
4. Identify the statement that contradicts the assumptions of KMT. Since KMT assumes negligible intermolecular forces, the statement that gas particles have significant attractive and repulsive forces is NOT an assumption of KMT.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is the statement about significant attractive and repulsive forces, as it does not align with the kinetic molecular theory assumptions.