Question

which is a postulate of the kinetic molecular theory of gases?
despite being very small, the volume occupied by the individual particles that compose a gas cannot be assumed to be negligible.
the volume occupied by the individual particles that compose a gas is very small. however, the distances between gas particles are comparable to the sizes of the gas particles, so the volume occupied by the individual gas particles cannot be assumed to be negligible.
because the distances between gas particles are so small relative to the sizes of the gas particles themselves, the volume of the individual particles can be assumed to be negligible.
the particles that compose a gas are so small compared to the distances between them that the volume of the individual particles can be assumed to be negligible.

Explanation:

The kinetic molecular theory of gases has several postulates. One key postulate is that the volume of the individual gas particles is negligible compared to the total volume of the gas. This is because the gas particles are far apart from each other.

• Option 1: Incorrect. The volume of individual gas particles is assumed to be negligible in the kinetic - molecular theory.
• Option 2: Incorrect. The distances between gas particles are much larger than the size of the gas particles, so the volume of individual gas particles is negligible.
• Option 3: Incorrect. The distances between gas particles are large relative to the size of the gas particles.
• Option 4: Correct. The particles of a gas are so small compared to the distances between them that the volume of the individual particles can be assumed to be negligible, which is in line with the kinetic - molecular theory of gases.

Answer:

The particles that compose a gas are so small compared to the distances between them that the volume of the individual particles can be assumed to be negligible.