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

This course provides a rigorous treatment of the Kinetic Theory and the Gas Laws, explaining the physical principles that control the behaviour of solids, liquids, and gases. We move from the foundational kinetic postulates to the precise mathematical relationships required to model matter's response to energy, pressure, and temperature. These principles dictate real-world engineering, not just textbook theory. You will apply this knowledge to model atmospheric dynamics, design efficient chemical reactors, and optimise engine performance. A command of these laws allows you to quantify substance behaviour under varying conditions, solving the calculation pain points often faced in process engineering and physical science. By the end of this course, you will confidently apply Boyle's, Charles's, Avogadro's, and the Combined Gas Laws to determine unknown state variables. You will derive and utilize the Ideal Gas Equation, PV = nRT, and explain gas properties using kinetic theory postulates. Additionally, you will analyse the structure of solids and calculate gas density. This is a mandatory foundation for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering undergraduates and a prerequisite for thermodynamics. It is intended for learners with a grasp of chemical bonding who require a structured, student-centred alternative to disjointed free resources.

3 hrs

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.

Concept Overviews

1 Lesson

10:33

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.

Concept Overviews

2 Lessons

23:40

3. Gas Laws

This chapter establishes the core empirical laws that describe gas behaviour, starting with the kinetic explanation for pressure. Command of these relationships is essential for accurately calculating unknown state variables and understanding the practical limits of gas systems in engineering and physical science applications. Key objectives include: applying Boyle's, Charles's, Avogadro's, and Gay-Lussac's Laws; deriving and calculating gas density; and mastering the Ideal Gas Equation, PV = nRT, for complex state variable analysis.

Concept Overviews

4 Lessons

37:26

Problem Walkthroughs

5 Lessons

55:24

4. Conclusion

This final chapter is a mandatory comprehensive assessment designed to confirm full mastery of the course material. Successful completion ensures you can confidently apply both the theoretical principles of the kinetic theory and the practical calculations derived from all gas laws. This is the required preparation for 'Stoichiometry I'. Key objectives include: application of the Ideal Gas Equation and combined gas laws; explaining gas behaviour using kinetic postulates; and validating understanding of the states of matter.

Concept Overviews

1 Lesson

1:32