Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) Integrated Science (024) Practice Exam

According to kinetic molecular theory, the volume of individual gas particles is considered to be what?

1. Large

2. Variable

3. Negligible

4. Constant

The correct answer is: Negligible

The correct choice reflects the principle that, according to kinetic molecular theory, the volume of individual gas particles is considered negligible. This theory asserts that gases consist of many particles that are in constant motion and are far apart from one another in relation to their size. In the context of ideal gases, the individual particles are so small compared to the distances between them that their volume does not significantly affect the overall behavior of the gas. This allows for simplifications in calculations involving gases, as one can treat them as point particles without accounting for their volume, focusing instead on their kinetic energy, speed, and interactions. Understanding this concept is crucial for analyzing gas behaviors, applying gas laws, and interpreting various phenomena in thermodynamics and physical chemistry. The notion that gas particles have negligible volume underpins many practical applications, such as calculations of pressure, temperature, and volume in ideal gas equations.