Intermolecular Forces and Properties

3.5  Kinetic Molecular Theory

Essential Knowledge:

*These are taken directly from College Board

• The kinetic molecular theory (KMT) relates the macroscopic properties of gases to motions of the particles in the gas.The Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution describes the distribution of the kinetic energies of particles at a given temperature. (SAP-7.B.1)   

• All the particles in a sample of matter are in continuous, random motion. The average kinetic energy of a particle is related to its average velocity by the equation: EQN: KE = ½ mv2 (SAP - 7.B.2) 

• The Kelvin temperature of a sample of matter is proportional to the average kinetic energy of the particles in the sample. (SAP - 7.B.3)

• The Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution provides a graphical representation of the energies/velocities of particles at a given temperature. (SAP – 7.B.4)