General
Chemistry
Kinetic Molecular
Theory
Kinetic Molecular Theory
The kinetic-molecular theory is based on the idea that matter is
composed of tiny particles that are always in motion. The theory
helps explain the observable properties and behaviors of solids,
liquids, and gases.
It helps to explain why matter exists in different phases and how
matter can change from one phase to another.
KMT in relation to Liquid and Solid
The principal difference between the condensed states and
the gaseous state is the distance between molecules. In a liquid,
the molecules are so close together that there is very little empty
space between particles. Thus, liquids are much more difficult to
compress than gases, and they are also much denser under
normal conditions.
In a solid, molecules are held rigidly in position with virtually no
freedom of movement, so they only vibrate only about fixed
positions. There is even lesser empty space between particles in a
solid than in a liquid because their particles are tightly packed.
Thus, solids are almost incompressible and possess definite
shape and volume.
Intramolecular Forces
Intramolecular forces hold atoms together in a molecule.
Intramolecular forces stabilize individual molecules.
Types of intramolecular forces of attraction
Ionic bond
This bond is formed by the complete transfer of valence
electron(s) between atoms. It is a type of chemical bond
that generates two oppositely charged ions.
Covalent bond
This bond is formed between atoms that have similar electronegativities—the affinity or desire for electrons.
Because both atoms have similar affinity for electrons and neither has a tendency to donate them, they share
electrons in order to achieve octet configuration and become more stable.
A nonpolar covalent bond is formed between same
atoms or atoms with very similar electronegativities
—the difference in electronegativity between bonded
atoms is less than 0.5.
A polar covalent bond is formed when atoms
of slightly different electronegativities share
electrons.
Metallic bonding
This type of covalent bonding specifically occurs between atoms of metals, in which the
valence electrons are free to move through the lattice.
Intermolecular Forces
Intermolecular forces are attractive forces between
molecules. Intermolecular forces are responsible for the non-ideal
behavior of gases, but they exert more influence in the condensed phases
of matter - liquids and solids.
Types of intermolecular forces attraction
Dipole-dipole interactions: These forces occur when the
partially positively charged part of a molecule interacts with
the partially negatively charged part of the neighboring
molecule.
Hydrogen bonding
This is a special kind of dipole-dipole interaction that occurs specifically
between a hydrogen atom bonded to either an oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine
atom. The partially positive end of hydrogen is attracted to the partially
negative end of the oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine of another molecule.
Hydrogen bonding is a relatively strong force of attraction between molecules,
and considerable energy is required to break hydrogen bonds.
London dispersion forces
These are the weakest of the intermolecular forces and exist
between all types of molecules, whether ionic or covalent—polar
or nonpolar. The more electrons a molecule has, the stronger the
London dispersion forces are.
PROPERTIES OF LIQUID
Liquids are made up of particles that are close to each other and
have kinetic energy. The particles are not confined to a rigid
position, and they move, but they
can only travel at a short distance before they collide with each other
and change the direction of motion.
Surface Tension
Surface tension is the force that causes the surface of a liquid to
contract. It is the property of the surface of a liquid that allows it to
resist an external force due to the cohesive nature of its molecules.
Two types of forces are involved in capillary action:
1. Cohesion is the intermolecular attraction between like molecules.
2. Adhesion is an attraction between unlike molecules. These forces
also define the shape of the surface of a liquid in a cylindrical
container.
Viscosity
Viscosity is the resistance of fluids to flow. A liquid's resistance
to flow exists between the molecules of liquid when they move
past each other. The greater the resistance in flowing, the more
viscous the liquid is.
Vapor Pressure
Vaporization is a phase change from liquid to gas, while the opposite process is
condensation. When liquid molecules break free from their neighbors and escape
into the gas phase, the process is called evaporation.
Vapor is used to refer to the gaseous phase of a substance, which is normally a
liquid or solid at room temperature. The average kinetic energy of the liquid
molecules of a substance depends on temperature.
Molar Heat of Vaporization
The relationship between vapor pressure and strength of
intermolecular forces is consistent with the trends in two other
properties of liquids, the enthalpy or molar heat of vaporization
and the boiling point of the liquid.
Boiling Point
The boiling point of a liquid is the temperature at which the liquid
changes into a gas. A liquid boils when its vapor pressure equals the
pressure acting on the surface of the liquid. The boiling point is the
temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid is equal to the
external pressure.
