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

Which operational variable does not affect gas pressure according to kinetic molecular theory?

1. Volume of the gas

2. Temperature of the gas

3. Amount of gas present

4. Color of the gas

The correct answer is: Color of the gas

According to kinetic molecular theory, gas pressure is influenced by variables that directly impact the movement and collision of gas particles. These include the volume of the gas, the temperature, and the amount of gas present, as each factor influences how frequently and forcefully gas particles collide with the walls of the container. The color of the gas, however, does not have any effect on its pressure. Color is a property associated with how light interacts with the gas and does not influence the kinetic energy or motion of gas molecules. Therefore, it is correct to state that the color of the gas is the operational variable that does not affect gas pressure, as it does not alter the behavior or interactions of the molecules in a way that would impact pressure.