Kinetic Theory
It is the kinetic theory that holds this unit/ topic together. This whole topic has to do with kinetic theory and everything in this topic can (or SHOULD be) explained using the kinetic theory.
The Basics
Solids Least kinetic energy
Liquids More kinetic energy than solids
Gases Most kinetic energy (see below...Brownian Motion)
THEREFORE to increase kinetic energy, heat the substance.... =)
- Temperature is a direct measure of kinetic energy.
Because of this, at 0K (see temperature), there will be no kinetic energy at all
Pressure is caused when particles collide with the internal wall of the container
Brownian Motion
Brownian motion basically explains diffusion in gases and how the particles of a gas travel.
Because the particles in a gas have a large amount of kinetic energy, they have a very high velocity (speed and direction of travel). Since they travel so very quickly, it is the Brownian motion that explains how the particles of a gas move.
According to Brownian motion,
- Particles of a gas in random motion
- Particles have a random course and there is no saying where they will be next.
- However, the particles travel in a linear motion for a short moment of time before colliding with another particle which changes its direction of travel.
The Brownian motion can be displayed by putting smoke in a petri dish and looking under a microscope.
Here, you will be able to see how the smoke moves around the air and changes its course and direction of travel because of collisions with other gas particles. =)
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