Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

According to the kinetic molecular theory, the volume of gas particles is regarded as:

1. Significant compared to the container volume

2. Negligible compared to the container volume

3. Equal to the volume of the container

4. Variable based on temperature

The correct answer is: Negligible compared to the container volume

The kinetic molecular theory emphasizes that the individual gas particles are in constant motion and occupy a much smaller space compared to the total volume of the container they are in. This concept helps explain behaviors of gases under various conditions. In practice, the actual volume of the gas particles is so minimal that it can be considered negligible when calculating properties such as pressure and temperature. This understanding is essential when analyzing gas laws, as it allows for the simplification of equations and calculations involving gases. It recognizes that any volume occupied by the gas particles themselves is not significant enough to affect the overall behavior of the gas in the container, hence allowing the assumption that the entire volume of the container is available to the gas particles for movement and collisions.