The van der Waals equation has two correction terms, a and b. Briefly describe what each of these terms individually accounts for in a real gas.
The van der Waals equation has two correction terms, a and b. Briefly describe what each of these terms individually accounts for in a real gas.
Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
Related questions
Question
![**Understanding the van der Waals Equation: Correction Terms 'a' and 'b'**
The van der Waals equation has two correction terms, \(a\) and \(b\). Briefly describe what each of these terms individually accounts for in a real gas.
---
* Explanation:
The van der Waals equation is an equation of state for real gases that takes into account intermolecular forces and the actual volume occupied by gas molecules. These considerations lead to deviations from the ideal gas law. The equation introduces two parameters, \(a\) and \(b\), which correct for these non-ideal behaviors:
1. **Parameter \(a\)**: This term corrects for the intermolecular attractions between gas molecules. In real gases, molecules attract each other, reducing the pressure exerted on the walls of the container. The \(a\) term accounts for this by adding a correction factor that increases the measured pressure.
2. **Parameter \(b\)**: This term corrects for the finite volume occupied by gas molecules. Unlike in an ideal gas, real gas molecules occupy space, which reduces the volume available for molecular movement. The \(b\) term represents the volume excluded by a mole of gas particles and adjusts the volume accordingly in the equation.
By incorporating these correction terms, the van der Waals equation provides a more accurate representation of the behavior of real gases, particularly under high pressure and low temperature conditions.
---
*Please use this information to understand the van der Waals equation better in your studies of real gases.](/v2/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.bartleby.com%2Fqna-images%2Fquestion%2Fb21ffba4-460f-41d0-866e-5be939c02582%2F92262652-4621-49f8-a484-413c5f12901b%2Fqnuhzik_processed.jpeg&w=3840&q=75)
Transcribed Image Text:**Understanding the van der Waals Equation: Correction Terms 'a' and 'b'**
The van der Waals equation has two correction terms, \(a\) and \(b\). Briefly describe what each of these terms individually accounts for in a real gas.
---
* Explanation:
The van der Waals equation is an equation of state for real gases that takes into account intermolecular forces and the actual volume occupied by gas molecules. These considerations lead to deviations from the ideal gas law. The equation introduces two parameters, \(a\) and \(b\), which correct for these non-ideal behaviors:
1. **Parameter \(a\)**: This term corrects for the intermolecular attractions between gas molecules. In real gases, molecules attract each other, reducing the pressure exerted on the walls of the container. The \(a\) term accounts for this by adding a correction factor that increases the measured pressure.
2. **Parameter \(b\)**: This term corrects for the finite volume occupied by gas molecules. Unlike in an ideal gas, real gas molecules occupy space, which reduces the volume available for molecular movement. The \(b\) term represents the volume excluded by a mole of gas particles and adjusts the volume accordingly in the equation.
By incorporating these correction terms, the van der Waals equation provides a more accurate representation of the behavior of real gases, particularly under high pressure and low temperature conditions.
---
*Please use this information to understand the van der Waals equation better in your studies of real gases.
Expert Solution
![](/static/compass_v2/shared-icons/check-mark.png)
This question has been solved!
Explore an expertly crafted, step-by-step solution for a thorough understanding of key concepts.
Step by step
Solved in 2 steps with 1 images
![Blurred answer](/static/compass_v2/solution-images/blurred-answer.jpg)
Knowledge Booster
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, chemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.Recommended textbooks for you
![Chemistry](https://www.bartleby.com/isbn_cover_images/9781305957404/9781305957404_smallCoverImage.gif)
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305957404
Author:
Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
![Chemistry](https://www.bartleby.com/isbn_cover_images/9781259911156/9781259911156_smallCoverImage.gif)
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781259911156
Author:
Raymond Chang Dr., Jason Overby Professor
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
![Principles of Instrumental Analysis](https://www.bartleby.com/isbn_cover_images/9781305577213/9781305577213_smallCoverImage.gif)
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305577213
Author:
Douglas A. Skoog, F. James Holler, Stanley R. Crouch
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
![Chemistry](https://www.bartleby.com/isbn_cover_images/9781305957404/9781305957404_smallCoverImage.gif)
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305957404
Author:
Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
![Chemistry](https://www.bartleby.com/isbn_cover_images/9781259911156/9781259911156_smallCoverImage.gif)
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781259911156
Author:
Raymond Chang Dr., Jason Overby Professor
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
![Principles of Instrumental Analysis](https://www.bartleby.com/isbn_cover_images/9781305577213/9781305577213_smallCoverImage.gif)
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305577213
Author:
Douglas A. Skoog, F. James Holler, Stanley R. Crouch
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
![Organic Chemistry](https://www.bartleby.com/isbn_cover_images/9780078021558/9780078021558_smallCoverImage.gif)
Organic Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9780078021558
Author:
Janice Gorzynski Smith Dr.
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
![Chemistry: Principles and Reactions](https://www.bartleby.com/isbn_cover_images/9781305079373/9781305079373_smallCoverImage.gif)
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305079373
Author:
William L. Masterton, Cecile N. Hurley
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
![Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…](https://www.bartleby.com/isbn_cover_images/9781118431221/9781118431221_smallCoverImage.gif)
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781118431221
Author:
Richard M. Felder, Ronald W. Rousseau, Lisa G. Bullard
Publisher:
WILEY