The mean free path of gas molecules is essential in relating bulk measurable properties like viscosity and heat conductivity to microscopic parameters. This implies:
The NCERT text mentions, 'Using, the kinetic theory of gases, the bulk measurable properties like viscosity, heat conductivity and diffusion can be related to the microscopic parameters like molecular size. It is through such relations that the molecular sizes were first estimated.' This highlights the role of kinetic theory, and particularly concepts like mean free path, in connecting the macroscopic and microscopic worlds.