Question

What does kinetic theory explain?

Answer 1

You might be very familiar with kinetic theory. You could first recall the postulates of this theory. Then you could easily find out the points on which the theory focuses. You could thus give the explanation given by kinetic theory just by recalling the postulates of kinetic theory. Also, recall that the whole theory is based on a number of assumptions.

Complete answer:
In the question we are asked to give the explanations given by kinetic energy.
We could say that the kinetic theory of gases basically tries to explain the overall properties of these gases. That is, the kinetic theory tries to explain the properties like pressure, temperature, volume but also taking molecular composition and motion to consideration. This theory basically explains pressure caused as the result of molecules colliding with each other and their container instead of the old belief of molecules pushing each other away to result in pressure. Kinetic-molecular theory and collision theory are other names given to this theory.
Key points from this theory are:
(a) The theory states that the gas particles are in constant motion and also exhibit perfectly elastic collisions.
(b) The theory also best explains both of Boyle’s and Charle’s laws.
(c) This theory also says that the average kinetic energy of a gas particle collection is directly proportional to absolute temperature.

Note:
This theory is also based on a number of assumptions. For example, the volume of the individual particles of gas is considered negligible in comparison with volume of the gas. Another assumption is that the ideal gas particles are considered to have no attractive force on each other or on their surroundings.