Question

In the van der Waals equation given below, $(p+\frac{an}{V^2})(V-nb)=nRT,$ the $\frac{an}{V^2}$ and $nb$ terms represent, respectively, corrections for:

• A. derivations in the pressure and the temperature
• B. intermolecular attractive forces and molecular volumes
• C. intermolecular attractive forces and inelastic collisions
• D. intermolecular repulsive forces and high temperature

Answer 1

The correct option is B intermolecular attractive forces and molecular volumes

In the van der Walls, equation given below, $[P+an/V^2][V-nb]=nRT$, the terms $\frac{an}{V^2}$ and $-nb$
terms represent, respectively, corrections for deviations in the pressure (due to inter-molecular attractive forces) and the molecular volume. These are the corrections applied to the ideal gas equation $PV=nRT$ to account for the real behavior of gas.
Hence, option (B) is the correct answer.