Final answer:
The kinetic-molecular theory of gases can explain why air has low density, why smells can travel long distances, why gases can be compressed, and why smells can pass through small openings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The kinetic-molecular theory of gases can be used to explain these phenomena:
a. Air has alow-density
because gases consist of particles that are far apart, which results in a lot of empty space between them. This allows the gas to have a low density compared to liquids or solids.
b. On a day with no wind, you can smell a dead skunk that is 500 yards away because gas molecules are in constant random motion. These molecules mix together and can travel long distances, allowing the smell to reach your nose even though the skunk is far away.
c. A large volume of air can be pumped into a small bicycle tire by compressing the gas. The large amount of empty space between gas molecules allows for compression, reducing the volume of the gas.
d. Your egg salad sandwich can be smelled even through a sealed bag because gas molecules can move through small openings. The molecules of the gases that make up the smell can diffuse through the small openings in the bag and reach your nose.