What is the relationship between kinetic theory and the gas laws?

In summary, the conversation discusses the theory of average kinetic energy per molecule, which is represented by the equation E=3/2kT. The same equation for a mole is represented by U=3/2*R*THi. The derivation of this equation involves multiple steps and can be found in textbooks or online sources. The conversation also mentions the Boltzmann Distribution, which is related to gas laws and the number of molecules in a sample. The final equation for average kinetic energy is (3/2)kT, where k is Boltzmann's constant and T is temperature.
  • #1
luigihs
86
0
Can someone explain me this theory ? and how to use the equation please

I have this in my notes but I don't understand :(

Average (translational) Kinetic Energy per molecule is

E= 3/2kT


The same, per mole, is U = 3/2 * R* T
 
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  • #2
Hi
The basics of deriving this involve quite a long string of steps and comes under the heading of 'bookwork'. I think you should just sit down with the book and follow it through. Else you can just accept it.
If you don't have 'a book' then Wiki would be a way forward. Start with Boltzman Distribution
 
  • #3
Do you recognise the experimental equation for the gas laws in the form
PV = nRT ? where n = number of moles
So for 1 mole the experimental law is PV = RT

The kinetic theory leads to an expression PV = (N/3) x mc^2 where N is the number of molecules.
If this equation is written as 2(N/3) x 0.5mc^2 it makes no difference but it does highlight a combination 0.5mc^2 which is average KE of molecules.
Putting the experimental equation and the theoretical equations together leads to

RT = 2(N/3) x 0.5mc^2 or 0.5mc^2 = (3/2)TR/N

so average KE = (3/2)TR/N
R is the gas constant and N is the number of molecules in 1 mole (Avagadros number)
The combination R/N of these constants is known as Boltzmanns constant, symbol k

Therefore average KE = (3/2)kT

Hope this helps
 

FAQ: What is the relationship between kinetic theory and the gas laws?

What is the Kinetic Theory equation?

The Kinetic Theory equation is a mathematical formula that describes the relationship between temperature, volume, and pressure of a gas. It is also known as the Ideal Gas Law and is represented as PV = nRT, where P is pressure, V is volume, n is the number of moles of gas, R is the ideal gas constant, and T is the temperature in Kelvin.

How is the Kinetic Theory equation derived?

The Kinetic Theory equation is derived from the principles of the Kinetic Theory of Gases, which states that gases are made up of tiny particles in constant motion. By applying the laws of thermodynamics and combining them with the properties of gases, scientists were able to come up with the Kinetic Theory equation.

What are the assumptions made in the Kinetic Theory equation?

The Kinetic Theory equation is based on the following assumptions:

  • The gas particles are in constant, random motion.
  • The volume of the gas particles is negligible compared to the volume of the container.
  • The gas particles do not exert attractive or repulsive forces on each other.
  • The collisions between gas particles and the container walls are perfectly elastic.
  • The average kinetic energy of the gas particles is directly proportional to the temperature of the gas.

What are the units used in the Kinetic Theory equation?

The units used in the Kinetic Theory equation depend on the values given for each variable.

  • Pressure (P) is usually measured in atmospheres (atm), but can also be measured in other units such as pascals (Pa) or torr.
  • Volume (V) is typically measured in liters (L), but can also be measured in cubic meters (m³) or milliliters (mL).
  • The number of moles (n) is measured in units of moles (mol).
  • The ideal gas constant (R) has a value of 0.08206 L·atm/mol·K.
  • Temperature (T) is measured in Kelvin (K), but can also be measured in degrees Celsius (°C) or degrees Fahrenheit (°F).

How is the Kinetic Theory equation used in real-world applications?

The Kinetic Theory equation has many practical applications in fields such as chemistry, physics, and engineering. It is used to calculate the behavior of gases in various systems, such as in engines, refrigeration systems, and weather patterns. It is also used to determine the properties of gases, such as their density, molar mass, and specific heat capacity. The Kinetic Theory equation is an essential tool for understanding and predicting the behavior of gases in various scenarios.

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