Final answer:
The kinetic theory describes the condensation of a gas to a liquid as a process where gas particles lose kinetic energy and move closer together due to increased intermolecular attractions, resulting in a higher density and lower compressibility of the liquid compared to the gas.
Step-by-step explanation:
Using the kinetic theory of gases, when a gas condenses into a liquid, the behavior of its particles changes dramatically. The theory describes gases as composed of tiny particles that are in constant motion and far apart. Condensation occurs when these particles lose enough kinetic energy (usually by cooling) to overcome their motion and move closer together, thus reducing the distance between them significantly.
In this process, the fast-moving gas particles slow down and the intermolecular attractive forces, previously negligible, now become significant, pulling the particles closer to form a liquid. This transition reflects a change in the energy state of the particles: from greater kinetic energy and independence in the gaseous state to less energy and greater intermolecular attraction in the liquid state.
As the gas condenses, it follows a modified kinetic molecular theory that includes the volume of particles and the presence of strong intermolecular forces, which explains the higher density and lower compressibility of liquids compared to gases.