Chemistry Regents Practice Test 2026 - Free Chemistry Regents Practice Questions and Study Guide

The kinetic molecular theory provides a comprehensive understanding of gas behavior by emphasizing that gas particles are in constant motion, which directly contributes to the pressure that gases exert. According to this theory, particles are not static; they are continually moving in random directions at various speeds. This relentless movement is primarily responsible for the properties of gases, such as their ability to fill a container completely and their relatively low density compared to solids and liquids.

As gas particles collide with the walls of their container, they exert force on those walls, which is measured as gas pressure. The greater the number of collisions and the faster the particles are moving, the higher the pressure will be. Additionally, this theory implies that the distance between gas particles is much greater than the size of the particles themselves, allowing them to move freely and independently of one another.

This concept is fundamental in explaining many gas laws, such as Boyle's Law and Charles's Law, which describe how gases behave under varying conditions of pressure and temperature.