CBSE Class 11 Physics Chapter 13 Kinetic Theory NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 11 PDF

This chapter delves into the Kinetic Theory of Gases, explaining the behavior of gases based on the motion of their molecules. The NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Physics, Chapter 13, cover fundamental concepts such as the molecular nature of matter, the ideal gas law, and the relationship between pressure, volume, and temperature. It also explores the kinetic interpretation of temperature and the equipartition of energy. These solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations for all exercises, helping students grasp the underlying principles and apply them to solve problems related to gas behavior, molecular speeds, and thermodynamic processes. This resource is ideal for exam preparation, offering a comprehensive review of the chapter's key topics and aiding in the development of problem-solving skills.

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 11
SubjectPhysics
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 13

Chapter summary

Chapter 13, Kinetic Theory, of the NCERT Class 11 Physics syllabus focuses on the molecular basis of matter. These solutions explain the postulates of the kinetic theory, the ideal gas law (PV=nRT), and its implications. Key concepts like molar volume at STP, the relationship between kinetic energy and temperature, and the equipartition of energy are addressed. The exercises involve calculations related to molecular volume, gas properties, and energy distribution, providing a solid foundation for understanding thermodynamics.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the molecular nature of gases and the postulates of kinetic theory.
  • Apply the ideal gas law (PV=nRT) to solve problems involving gases.
  • Calculate the molecular volume of a gas at STP.
  • Relate the kinetic energy of gas molecules to temperature.
  • Interpret PV/T versus P graphs for gases at different temperatures.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Kinetic Theory of Gases
  • Molecular Nature of Matter
  • Ideal Gas Equation
  • STP Conditions
  • Molar Volume
  • Gas Pressure
  • Temperature and Kinetic Energy
  • Molecular Diameter
  • Avogadro's Number
  • PV/T vs P Graphs

Important topics

  • Ideal Gas Equation (PV=nRT)
  • Molar Volume at STP
  • Kinetic Interpretation of Temperature
  • Relationship between Molecular Volume and Actual Volume
  • Graphical Analysis of Gas Laws

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Questions and Solutions

Question 13.1

Estimate the fraction of molecular volume to the actual volume occupied by oxygen gas at STP. Take the diameter of an oxygen molecule to be 3Å.
Solution:

We are given the diameter of an oxygen molecule, d = 3 \text{ Å}. The radius r is half the diameter:

r = \frac{d}{2} = \frac{3}{2} \text{ Å} = 1.5 \text{ Å}

To calculate the volume of a single molecule, we first convert the radius to centimeters:

r = 1.5 \times 10^{-8} \text{ cm}

The volume of a single oxygen molecule (approximated as a sphere) is given by the formula for the volume of a sphere, V_{molecule} = \frac{4}{3}\pi r^3. However, the question asks for the total molecular volume occupied by 1 mole of oxygen gas. This is calculated by multiplying the volume of a single molecule by Avogadro's number (N_A).

Avogadro's number, N_A = 6.023 \times 10^{23} molecules/mole.

The total molecular volume (V_{molecular}) for 1 mole of oxygen is:

V_{molecular} = \frac{4}{3}\pi r^3 \cdot N_A

Substituting the values:

V_{molecular} = \frac{4}{3} \times 3.14 \times (1.5 \times 10^{-8} \text{ cm})^3 \times (6.023 \times 10^{23})

V_{molecular} \approx 8.51 \text{ cm}^3

The actual volume occupied by 1 mole of any ideal gas at Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP) is approximately 22400 cm^3.

The fraction of molecular volume to the actual volume is:

\nFraction = \frac{V_{molecular}}{V_{actual}}

\nFraction = \frac{8.51 \text{ cm}^3}{22400 \text{ cm}^3}

\nFraction \approx 3.8 \times 10^{-4}

Therefore, the fraction of molecular volume to the actual volume occupied by oxygen gas at STP is approximately 3.8 \times 10^{-4}.

Question 13.2

Molar volume is the volume occupied by 1 mol of any (ideal) gas at standard temperature and pressure (STP: 1 atmospheric pressure, 0 °C). Show that it is 22.4 litres.
Solution:

We can use the ideal gas equation to determine the molar volume at STP. The ideal gas equation is given by:

PV = nRT

Where:

  • P is the pressure
  • V is the volume
  • n is the number of moles
  • R is the universal gas constant
  • T is the absolute temperature

For standard temperature and pressure (STP):

  • Number of moles, n = 1 \text{ mol}
  • Standard temperature, T = 0^\circ \text{C} = 273.15 \text{ K} (often approximated as 273 K for calculations)
  • Standard pressure, P = 1 \text{ atm}

The universal gas constant R has a value of 8.314 \text{ J mol}^{-1} \text{ K}^{-1}. We need to express pressure in Pascals (Pa) for consistency with SI units of R. 1 \text{ atm} = 1.013 \times 10^5 \text{ Pa} = 1.013 \times 10^5 \text{ N m}^{-2}.

Now, we rearrange the ideal gas equation to solve for volume (V):

V = \frac{nRT}{P}

Substitute the values for STP conditions:

V = \frac{(1 \text{ mol}) \times (8.314 \text{ J mol}^{-1} \text{ K}^{-1}) \times (273 \text{ K})}{1.013 \times 10^5 \text{ N m}^{-2}}

Calculating the value:

V \approx \frac{2270.562}{1.013 \times 10^5} \text{ m}^3

V \approx 0.02241 \text{ m}^3

To convert this volume to litres, we use the conversion factor 1 \text{ m}^3 = 1000 \text{ litres}:

V \approx 0.02241 \times 1000 \text{ litres}

V \approx 22.41 \text{ litres}

Thus, the molar volume of an ideal gas at STP is approximately 22.4 litres.

Question 13.3

Figure 13.8 shows plot of PV/T versus P for 1.00 x 10⁻³ kg of oxygen gas at two different temperatures.
Solution:

The question refers to a figure (Figure 13.8) which is not provided in the text. However, we can discuss the expected behavior of the plot based on the ideal gas law. The ideal gas law is given by PV = nRT. We can rearrange this equation to express PV/T as a function of pressure P and temperature T.

From PV = nRT, we get:

\frac{PV}{T} = nR

Here, n is the number of moles of the gas, and R is the universal gas constant. For a fixed amount of gas (i.e., constant n), the product nR is a constant.

The mass of oxygen gas given is 1.00 \times 10^{-3} \text{ kg}. The molar mass of oxygen (O_2) is approximately 32 \text{ g/mol} = 0.032 \text{ kg/mol}.

The number of moles n can be calculated as:

n = \frac{\text{mass}}{\text{molar mass}} = \frac{1.00 \times 10^{-3} \text{ kg}}{0.032 \text{ kg/mol}} \approx 0.03125 \text{ mol}

Therefore, for this specific amount of oxygen gas, nR is a constant value:

nR = (0.03125 \text{ mol}) \times (8.314 \text{ J mol}^{-1} \text{ K}^{-1}) \approx 0.26 \text{ J K}^{-1}

So, the equation for the plot is:

\frac{PV}{T} = \text{constant} \quad (\text{for a fixed mass of gas})

This implies that for a fixed mass of gas, the quantity PV/T should remain constant, regardless of the pressure P or temperature T, as long as the gas behaves ideally. Thus, the plot of PV/T versus P should be a horizontal line.

The question states that the plot is shown at two different temperatures. If the gas behaves ideally, the plot of PV/T versus P should be a horizontal line, meaning PV/T is independent of P and T for a fixed amount of gas. However, real gases deviate from ideal behavior, especially at high pressures and low temperatures. The figure likely shows slight deviations or is intended to illustrate the ideal gas law principle.

If the figure shows two different horizontal lines at different heights, it would contradict the ideal gas law for a fixed amount of gas, as nR should be constant. If the figure shows two horizontal lines at the same height, it confirms the ideal gas behavior where PV/T is constant for a fixed mass.

Without the figure, a precise interpretation is not possible. However, based on the ideal gas law, the plot of PV/T versus P for a fixed mass of gas should be a horizontal line, indicating that PV/T is constant.

Common mistakes

  • Incorrectly converting units (e.g., Å to cm, atm to Pa).
  • Errors in applying the ideal gas law formula.
  • Misinterpreting the relationship between kinetic energy and temperature.
  • Calculation errors in volume or pressure.

Revision tips

  • Review the postulates of the kinetic theory of gases thoroughly.
  • Practice converting units consistently, especially for pressure and volume.
  • Focus on understanding the derivation and application of the ideal gas law.
  • Pay attention to the graphical interpretations of gas laws.
  • Ensure all mathematical formulas are memorized and understood.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What is the approximate ratio of molecular volume to the actual volume occupied by oxygen gas at STP, given a molecular diameter of 3Å?

Q2. According to the ideal gas law, what is the molar volume of any ideal gas at standard temperature and pressure (STP)?

Q3. The ideal gas equation is PV = nRT. What does 'R' represent in this equation?

Q4. What is the standard temperature in Kelvin for STP conditions?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main focus of Chapter 13, Kinetic Theory, in Class 11 Physics?

Chapter 13 focuses on the molecular basis of matter, explaining the behavior of gases based on the motion of their constituent molecules, including the ideal gas law and the kinetic interpretation of temperature.

How do these NCERT Solutions help with understanding the Kinetic Theory?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations for each exercise, breaking down complex concepts like the ideal gas law, molecular volume calculations, and graphical analysis, making them easier to understand and apply.

What are the standard temperature and pressure (STP) conditions mentioned?

STP conditions are defined as 1 atmospheric pressure (1.013 x 10^5 Nm⁻²) and 0 °C (273 K).

Can these solutions help in calculating molecular properties?

Yes, the solutions demonstrate how to estimate molecular volume and understand the relationship between molecular size and the volume occupied by a gas.

Are the mathematical expressions in the solutions presented accurately?

Yes, all mathematical expressions, formulas, and units from the original source are preserved exactly, with surrounding text rewritten for clarity.

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