Chapter 3, Problem 3E.7E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Identification of gases with help of magnitudes of $a$ has to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

Real gases consist of atoms or molecules that have intermolecular attractions as well as repulsions. These gases deviate from ideal gases in terms of intermolecular forces. Such gases obey van der Waals equation. Van der Waals equation is as follows:

  $\left(P+a\frac{n^2}{V^2}\right)\left(V-nb\right)=nRT$

Here,

$P$ is pressure of gas.

$V$ is volume of gas.

$T$ is absolute temperature of gas.

$R$ is universal gas constant.

$n$ is number of moles of gas.

$a$ and $b$ are van der Waals parameters.

Significance of attractive forces is determined by factor $a$ while that for repulsion is governed by factor $b$.