Characteristics+of+Gases

General
One of three phases for all substances is a gas, which is common for non-metallic elements. A gas is usually made up of small atoms or molecules that are in constant, random, and chaotic motion (with no particular arrangement). The rate of motion is determined by the kinetic energy which increases as the temperature of a gas increases. Gases form homogeneous mixtures well with other gases. An ideal gas is non polar so when the particles collide they do not stick to each other and form a liquid. Remember, "the worst behaved gas is a liquid," (Mr. Williams).

This drawing shows the unpredictable, constant movement of a gas particle compared to a liquid and solid.

The large amount of space between the particles of gases cause it to have a low density and high compressibility, which explains why gases expand to the volume of their container. Since gases are very low density, the molecules spread out and occupy only about .1% of the container's volume. The volume decreases as the gas is exposed through pressure. Gases also diffuse easily, which is why a perfume will spread throughout a room if it is sprayed in one corner. Another attribute of gas is that it exerts pressure which will be discussed more thoroughly in the Pressure link.

Websites:

http://library.thinkquest.org/12497/general.htm

[|http://www.public.asu.edu/~jpbirk/CHM-113_BLB/Chpt10/sld002.htm]

http://www.chem.missouri.edu/Greenlief/courses/chapt10complete.pdf

http://www.chem.purdue.edu/gchelp/liquids/character.html