How is condensation explained by the Kinetic Molecular Theory? Cooling reduces particle motion, resulting in coalescence by attractive forces. Cooling increases collisions, which causes molecules to bond together. Heating breaks the solid bonds, and liquid forms. Reduction in molecular kinetic energy eventually produces the solid phase.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct answer: Cooling reduces particle motion, resulting in coalescence by attractive forces.
Explanation:
Condensation is the process through which a gas turns into a liquid. According to the Kinetic Molecular Theory, all matter is made up of small particles that are constantly in motion. The energy of these particles is directly related to their temperature. When a gas is cooled, its particles lose kinetic energy. This loss of energy slows down the motion of the molecules, which is critical in the transition from gas to liquid.
As gas particles cool down, their decreased motion allows the attractive intermolecular forces to take effect. In a gaseous state, particles move very rapidly and are far apart, so the attractive forces between them are minimal. But as the particles slow down due to cooling, they move closer together. This proximity allows the weak attractive forces between molecules—such as van der Waals forces or dipole-dipole attractions—to cause them to stick together or coalesce.
When enough energy is lost, a significant number of gas particles clump together to form a liquid. This process is commonly observed when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cold surface, resulting in water droplets. These droplets form because the water vapor molecules in the air have slowed down and stuck together on the cooler surface.
The other options do not accurately represent condensation in the context of Kinetic Molecular Theory. Increasing collisions does not necessarily cause bonding; rather, it depends on the energy and angle of the collisions. Heating breaks bonds instead of forming them, which is related more to melting or evaporation. Reduction in kinetic energy forming a solid refers to freezing, not condensation.
In conclusion, condensation is best explained by the slowing down of gas particles due to cooling, which allows attractive forces to pull the molecules together into a liquid state.
