The kinetic molecular theory of gases uses the fact that individual molecules are in motion and possess kinetic energy to predict their behavior in the gaseous state. Since this theory refers to ideal gases, certain assumptions are necessary to the theory:
(1) The molecules exhibit random motion.
(2) The molecules are infinitely small (occupying no space) and travel in straight lines between collisions.
(3) Molecules behave independently of the other molecules in the sample except during collisions.
(4) Collisions between molecules are perfectly elastic.
(5) The average kinetic energy of the sample is proportional to the temperature and is independent of the actual gas under consideration.
One result of the kinetic molecular theory of gases is:
