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States of Matter - Kinetic particle theory

Grade 12IGCSEChemistry

Review the key concepts, formulae, and examples before starting your quiz.

🔑Concepts

The Kinetic Particle Theory states that all matter is composed of tiny particles (atoms, molecules, or ions) that are in constant, random motion.

In a solid, particles are packed closely in a regular lattice, vibrating about fixed positions with strong intermolecular forces of attraction.

In a liquid, particles are close together but arranged irregularly; they have enough kinetic energy to slide over each other, allowing liquids to flow.

In a gas, particles are far apart and move rapidly in random directions; intermolecular forces are negligible except during collisions.

The average kinetic energy of particles is directly proportional to the absolute temperature in Kelvin (TT). As TT increases, the velocity (vv) of the particles increases.

Diffusion is the net movement of particles from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration. The rate of diffusion is inversely proportional to the square root of the relative molecular mass (MrM_r).

Brownian Motion refers to the random movement of visible particles (like pollen or smoke) suspended in a fluid, caused by collisions with invisible, fast-moving atoms or molecules.

An Ideal Gas obeys the gas laws under all conditions of temperature and pressure, assuming particles have zero volume and no intermolecular forces.

Phase changes occur at constant temperature: Melting (SolidLiquidSolid \rightarrow Liquid), Boiling (LiquidGasLiquid \rightarrow Gas), Condensation (GasLiquidGas \rightarrow Liquid), and Freezing (LiquidSolidLiquid \rightarrow Solid).

📐Formulae

T(K)=θ(C)+273.15T(K) = \theta(^{\circ}C) + 273.15

PV=nRTPV = nRT

P1V1T1=P2V2T2\frac{P_1V_1}{T_1} = \frac{P_2V_2}{T_2}

KEavg=32kTKE_{avg} = \frac{3}{2}kT

Rate of Diffusion1Mr\text{Rate of Diffusion} \propto \frac{1}{\sqrt{M_r}}

P=FAP = \frac{F}{A}

💡Examples

Problem 1:

Compare the rates of diffusion of ammonia (NH3NH_3) and hydrogen chloride (HClHCl) gases at the same temperature and pressure.

Solution:

Using Graham's Law: RateNH3RateHCl=Mr(HCl)Mr(NH3)\frac{\text{Rate}_{NH_3}}{\text{Rate}_{HCl}} = \sqrt{\frac{M_{r(HCl)}}{M_{r(NH_3)}}}. Given Mr(NH3)17M_{r(NH_3)} \approx 17 and Mr(HCl)36.5M_{r(HCl)} \approx 36.5, the ratio is 36.5171.46\sqrt{\frac{36.5}{17}} \approx 1.46.

Explanation:

Because NH3NH_3 has a lower relative molecular mass than HClHCl, its particles move faster on average, resulting in a higher rate of diffusion by a factor of approximately 1.461.46.

Problem 2:

A sample of gas occupies 2.0 dm32.0\text{ dm}^3 at 300 K300\text{ K} and 100 kPa100\text{ kPa}. Calculate the volume it will occupy if the temperature is increased to 600 K600\text{ K} at constant pressure.

Solution:

Using Charles's Law: V1T1=V2T2\frac{V_1}{T_1} = \frac{V_2}{T_2}. Rearranging for V2V_2: V2=V1×T2T1=2.0×600300=4.0 dm3V_2 = V_1 \times \frac{T_2}{T_1} = 2.0 \times \frac{600}{300} = 4.0\text{ dm}^3.

Explanation:

At constant pressure, the volume of a fixed mass of gas is directly proportional to its absolute temperature. Doubling the temperature results in doubling the volume.

Problem 3:

Determine the number of moles of an ideal gas present in a 5.0 L5.0\text{ L} container at 2.0 atm2.0\text{ atm} and 27C27^{\circ}C. (Use R=0.0821 Latm/molKR = 0.0821\text{ L}\cdot\text{atm}/\text{mol}\cdot\text{K})

Solution:

First, convert temperature to Kelvin: T=27+273=300 KT = 27 + 273 = 300\text{ K}. Use PV=nRTn=PVRTPV = nRT \Rightarrow n = \frac{PV}{RT}. n=2.0×5.00.0821×3000.406 moln = \frac{2.0 \times 5.0}{0.0821 \times 300} \approx 0.406\text{ mol}.

Explanation:

The Ideal Gas Law relates pressure, volume, temperature, and moles. All units must be consistent, necessitating the conversion of Celsius to Kelvin.

Kinetic particle theory - Revision Notes & Key Formulas | IGCSE Grade 12 Chemistry