Question

Which statement is inconsistent with the kinetic theory of an ideal gas?

O most of the volume occupied by a gas is empty space.
O gas molecules move in a straight line between collisions.
O the average kinetic energy of a gas is proportional to the absolute temperature.
O the collisions between gas molecules are inelastic.

Answer 1

The incorrect statement is that the collisions between gas molecules are inelastic; according to the kinetic theory, collisions are elastic meaning no kinetic energy is lost.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that is inconsistent with the kinetic theory of an ideal gas is "the collisions between gas molecules are inelastic." According to the kinetic theory of gases, one of the foundational assumptions is that collisions between gas molecules, as well as between molecules and the walls of the container, are elastic collisions. In elastic collisions, there is no overall loss of kinetic energy. The theory also states that the average kinetic energy is proportional to the gas's absolute temperature, and gas molecules move in straight lines between collisions.

The statement that is inconsistent with the kinetic theory of an ideal gas is that the collisions between gas molecules are inelastic. According to the kinetic theory, collisions between gas particles are elastic, meaning there is no overall loss of kinetic energy during the collision. Elastic collisions involve a transfer of kinetic energy, but the total energy of the colliding particles remains constant. In contrast, inelastic collisions involve a loss of kinetic energy.