back to main page

Kinetic Molecular Theory (KMT)

Five principles of KMT:

1. Gases consist of a large number of atoms/molecules in continuous random motion.
2. The volume of the atoms/molecules is small compared to the volume of the collection. (ie. a gas is mostly empty space to accomodate the motion of the molecules.)
3. Forces of attraction and repulsion (intramolecular forces^†) are neglible.
4. Temperature is an expression of the average kinetic energy.
5. Temperature in Kelvin is proportional to average kinetic energy. T(K) ∝ K_ε.

† intramolecular forces are forces between individual atoms or molecules (non-bonding). Contrast these forces to intermolecular forces which hold molecules together (chemical bonds).

back to main page