noun
(physics) a theory that gases consist of small particles in random motion
• Syn: ↑kinetic theory
• Topics: ↑physics, ↑natural philosophy
• Hypernyms: ↑scientific theory
• Hyponyms: ↑kinetic theory of heat
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Physics.
a theory that the particles in a gas move freely and rapidly along straight lines but often collide, resulting in variations in their velocity and direction. Pressure is interpreted as arising from the impacts of these particles with the walls of a container.
[1870-75]
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kinetic theory of gases,
the theory that molecules of a gas are in a state of rapid motion. constantly colliding with the walls of any containing vessel and with one another causing changes in their velocity and direction.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.