Kinetic molecular theory quantitative model

We now have enough information to turn our qualitative ideas about a gas into a quantitative model that can be used to make numerical predictions. The kinetic model ( kinetic molecular theory, KMT) of a gas is based on four assumptions (Fig. 4.23) ... 

We have just seen how each of the gas laws conceptually follows from kinetic molecular theory. We can also derive the ideal gas law from the postulates of kinetic molecular theory. In other words, the kinetic molecular theory is a quantitative model that implies PV = nRT. Let s now explore this derivation. 

Kinetic molecular theory is a quantitative model for gases. The theory has three main assumptions (1) the gas partieles are negligibly small, (2) the average kinetic energy of a gas particle is proportional to the temperature in kelvins, and (3) the collision of one gas particle with another is completely elastic (the particles do not stick together). The gas laws all follow from the kinetic molecular theory. 

Orbital interaction theory forms a comprehensive model for examining the structures and kinetic and thermodynamic stabilities of molecules. It is not intended to be, nor can it be, a quantitative model. However, it can function effectively in aiding understanding of the fundamental processes in chemistry, and it can be applied in most instances without the use of a computer. The variation known as perturbative molecular orbital (PMO) theory was originally developed from the point of view of weak interactions [4, 5]. However, the interaction of orbitals is more transparently developed, and the relationship to quantitative MO theories is more easily seen by straightforward solution of the Hiickel (independent electron) equations. From this point of view, the theoretical foundations lie in Hartree-Fock theory, described verbally and pictorially in Chapter 2 [57] and more rigorously in Appendix A. 

It is worth noting at this point that the various scientific theories that quantitatively and mathematically formulate natural phenomena are in fact mathematical models of nature. Such, for example, are the kinetic theory of gases and rubber elasticity, Bohr s atomic model, molecular theories of polymer solutions, and even the equations of transport phenomena cited earlier in this chapter. Not unlike the engineering mathematical models, they contain simplifying assumptions. For example, the transport equations involve the assumption that matter can be viewed as a continuum and that even in fast, irreversible processes, local equilibrium can be achieved. The paramount difference between a mathematical model of a natural process and that of an engineering system is the required level of accuracy and, of course, the generality of the phenomena involved. 

In reality, the data on isothermal contraction for many polymers6 treated according to the free-volume theory show that quantitatively the kinetics of the process does not correspond to the simplified model of a polymer with one average relaxation time. It is therefore necessary to consider the relaxation spectra and relaxation time distribution. Kastner72 made an attempt to link this distribution with the distribution of free-volume. Covacs6 concluded in this connection that, when considering the macroscopic properties of polymers (complex moduli, volume, etc.), the free-volume concept has to be coordinated with changes in molecular mobility and the different types of molecular motion. These processes include the broad distribution of the retardation times, which may be associated with the local distribution of the holes. 

The solvated electron is a transient chemical species which exists in many solvents. The domain of existence of the solvated electron starts with the solvation time of the precursor and ends with the time required to complete reactions with other molecules or ions present in the medium. Due to the importance of water in physics, chemistry and biochemistry, the solvated electron in water has attracted much interest in order to determine its structure and excited states. The solvated electrons in other solvents are less quantitatively known, and much remains to be done, particularly with the theory. Likewise, although ultrafast dynamics of the excess electron in liquid water and in a few alcohols have been extensively studied over the past two decades, many questions concerning the mechanisms of localization, thermalization, and solvation of the electron still remain. Indeed, most interpretations of those dynamics correspond to phenomenological and macroscopic approaches leading to many kinetic schemes but providing little insight into microscopic and structural aspects of the electron dynamics. Such information can only be obtained by comparisons between experiments and theoretical models. For that, developments of quantum and molecular dynamics simulations are necessary to get a more detailed picture of the electron solvation process and to unravel the structure of the solvated electron in many solvents. 

Although the bond-valence theory (BVT) is primarily meant to rationalize and predict molecular structures in solids, chemists naturally try to extend structural models to rationalize and predict reactivity. If a model helps us understand why particular equilibrium structures are preferred, for instance, perhaps quantifying the principles underlying the model can help us predict energetic differences between structural states, which are the bases for both thermodynamic and kinetic theory. The BVT is an excellent vehicle for exploring structure-energy relationships, because it is in some respects quantitatively predictive, and boils down complex, multi-body interactions into a single parameter, the bond-valence sum. 

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