Question 8
Gas LawsA basic postulate of the kinetic theory of gases is that the molecules of a gas move in straight lines between collisions. This implies that
- A.collisions are perfectly elastic
- B.forces of repulsion exist
- C.forces of repulsion and attraction are in equilibrium
- D.collisions are inelastic.
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: C (forces of repulsion and attraction are in equilibrium)
Explanation
An object moves in a straight line when there is no net force on it. So between collisions the attractive and repulsive forces on a gas molecule must cancel out.