Question

According to one theory, the pressure of a gas increases as its volume decreases because the molecules in the gas have to move a shorter distance to hit the walls of the container. Does this theory follow a macroscopic or microscopic description of chemical behavior? Explain your answer.

a) Macroscopic; it focuses on observable properties
b) Microscopic; it involves molecular-level interactions
c) Both macroscopic and microscopic aspects
d) Neither macroscopic nor microscopic

Answer 1

The theory relating gas pressure and volume describes microscopic behavior as it focuses on molecular-level interactions explained by the kinetic molecular theory of gases.

Step-by-step explanation:

The theory that the pressure of a gas increases as its volume decreases because the molecules in the gas have to move a shorter distance to hit the walls of the container is primarily associated with the microscopic description of chemical behavior.

This description focuses on the molecular-level interactions that occur within a gas. According to the kinetic molecular theory of gases, the pressure exerted by a gas is due to the collisions of its molecules with the container walls. When the volume is reduced, the molecules are confined to a smaller space, leading to more frequent collisions with the walls and an increase in pressure.

This explanation relies on an understanding of molecular movement and behavior, which are not observable properties but rather theoretical constructs used to explain macroscopic phenomena, such as gas pressure.