Kinetic Theory of Matter and Gas Laws - Chemistry (Undergraduate Foundation)

This course covers the physical principles that govern the states of matter. It focuses on the behaviour of gases, providing a full treatment of the gas laws and the kinetic theory of matter that explains them. The material also includes an introduction to the structure of crystalline solids. The principles of kinetic theory and the gas laws are fundamental to chemistry, physics, and engineering. They are essential for understanding atmospheric science, designing chemical reactors, and for the engineering of engines and power systems. A command of this topic is required to predict how substances will behave under different conditions of temperature and pressure. By the end of this course, you will be able to apply the ideal gas law and other gas laws to solve for unknown pressures, volumes, or temperatures. You will also be able to explain the behaviour of gases using the postulates of the kinetic theory of matter and describe the basic structure of crystalline solids. This course is for students who have a complete understanding of chemical bonding and molecular geometry. It is a mandatory course for all students of chemistry and chemical engineering and is a direct prerequisite for the study of physical chemistry and thermodynamics.

Enrolment valid for 12 months

This course is also part of the following learning track. You may join the track to gain comprehensive knowledge across related courses.

CHM 101: General Chemistry I

This learning track delivers the complete NUC CCMAS curriculum for General Chemistry I. It is a comprehensive programme designed to build a robust, university-level foundation in modern chemistry. The track systematically covers all essential topics, from atomic theory, chemical bonding, and the states of matter, to the quantitative principles of stoichiometry, equilibrium, thermodynamics, and kinetics. This programme is for first-year undergraduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) faculties who are required to take CHM 101. It is also essential for any student or professional globally who needs a rigorous and complete foundation in first-year university chemistry for further study or career development. This track delivers a full skill set in chemical theory and quantitative problem-solving. Graduates will be able to determine molecular structures, calculate reaction quantities, analyse the energetics and rates of reactions, and solve complex equilibrium problems. This programme provides the non-negotiable prerequisite knowledge for all subsequent chemistry courses and for any degree in the physical sciences, engineering, or medicine.

Course Chapters

1. Introduction

This chapter establishes the course roadmap and introduces the Kinetic Theory of Matter. The theory provides the essential microscopic framework - the motion of particles - required to understand and explain the macroscopic properties and behaviour of gases studied in the following chapters. Upon completion, you will be able to: outline the core postulates of the Kinetic Theory of Matter and appreciate the direct link between particle motion and measurable physical properties like pressure and temperature.

Chapter lessons

1-1. Welcome and postulates

10:33

Welcome to the course; this lesson establishes the course roadmap. We introduce the Kinetic Theory of Matter by defining its core postulates which link the microscopic motion of particles to the macroscopic properties of gases. This theory forms the basis for all subsequent discussions.

2. Kinetic Theory

This chapter systematically applies the Kinetic Theory of Matter to explain the states of matter. We establish how the balance between particle kinetic energy (temperature) and intermolecular forces dictates whether a substance exists as a solid, liquid, or gas, governing phase changes. Upon completion, you will be able to: differentiate the three states of matter based on particle movement, explain the microscopic basis for phase transitions (boiling, melting), and use the kinetic theory to describe the influence of temperature on state.

Chapter lessons

2-1. States of matter

12:08

This lesson differentiates the three primary states of matter - solid, liquid, and gas - based on particle separation and motion. We explain how the strength of intermolecular forces governs a substance's state and its physical properties.

2-2. Temperature and state changes

11:32

This lesson defines phase transitions (melting, boiling, etc.) and the associated thermal changes. We explain how temperature determines whether a substance's kinetic energy is sufficient to overcome intermolecular forces, resulting in a change of state.

3. Gas Laws

This chapter focuses on the gas laws, the set of empirical relationships that describe the behaviour of gases. It covers the individual gas laws and their combination in the ideal gas law. Key learning objectives include: applying Boyle's Law, Charles's Law, and Avogadro's Law; and using the ideal gas law (PV=nRT) to solve for unknown variables.

Chapter lessons

3-1. Pressure of gases

9:57

This lesson explains the origin of gas pressure using the kinetic theory of matter. We demonstrate how constant, random particle collisions against container walls exert the aggregate force that defines pressure.

3-2. Properties of gases (1)

30:22

This lesson introduces Boyle's Law and Charles's Law, the foundational empirical relationships for gases. We explain the inverse relationship between pressure and volume (Boyle's) and the direct relationship between volume and absolute temperature (Charles's). Master the proportionality and corresponding mathematical forms.

4. Structure of Solids

This chapter provides a brief introduction to the nature of the solid state of matter. It focuses on the ordered arrangement of particles in crystalline solids. Key learning objectives include: distinguishing between crystalline and amorphous solids; and identifying the basic types of unit cells in a crystal lattice.

Chapter lessons

4-1. Crystalline solids

This lesson defines a crystalline solid as a substance in which the constituent particles are arranged in a highly ordered, repeating three-dimensional pattern known as a crystal lattice.

5. Conclusion

This concluding chapter summarises the key concepts of the course. It reinforces the understanding of the kinetic theory of matter and its successful application in explaining the gas laws. This summary prepares the student for the next course, 'Stoichiometry I', which shifts the focus from the physical properties of matter to the quantitative relationships in chemical reactions.

Chapter lessons

5-1. Course summary

This lesson consolidates knowledge by reviewing the postulates of the kinetic theory, the application of the gas laws, and the basic structure of solids.

5-2. Next steps

This final lesson looks ahead, explaining how an understanding of the states of matter is a prerequisite for the study of stoichiometry and chemical reactions in different phases.