Explain the process of condensation with the help of kinetic theory of matter
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
Cooling reduces particle motion, resulting in coalescence by attractive forces.
Explanation
The kinetic theory of matter explains the behavior of particles in different states—solid, liquid, and gas—based on their energy and motion. According to this theory, all matter is made up of tiny particles such as atoms or molecules that are in constant motion. The amount of motion depends on the temperature and the state of the substance.
In the gaseous state, particles move rapidly in all directions and are far apart from each other. They possess a high amount of kinetic energy, which allows them to overcome the attractive forces between them. As a result, gases expand to fill any container and have no fixed shape or volume.
Condensation is the process by which a gas changes into a liquid. This transformation occurs when the gas is cooled. Cooling reduces the kinetic energy of the particles. As the temperature decreases, the particles slow down. With less kinetic energy, the particles are no longer able to overcome the attractive forces between them.
As the particles move closer together, intermolecular forces become more effective. These forces pull the particles together, causing them to coalesce and form a liquid. In the liquid state, the particles are still in motion but are much closer together than in the gaseous state. They slide past one another but remain in contact, giving the liquid a definite volume but no definite shape.
This process is commonly observed in daily life. For example, when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cold surface, such as a glass of iced water, water vapor in the air loses energy and condenses into liquid water droplets on the surface. This is a clear example of condensation explained by the kinetic theory of matter.
Therefore, condensation results from the loss of kinetic energy that allows attractive forces to draw particles into the liquid phase.
