Question

In van der Waals’ equation of state for a non-ideal gas, the term that accounts for intermolecular forces is:

• A. $(V-b)$
• B. $(RT{)}^{-1}$
• C. $\left(\frac{a}{V^2}\right)$
• D. $RT$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $\left(\frac{a}{V^2}\right)$

Van der Waals’ equation for 1 mole is:
$(P+\frac{a}{V^2})(V-b)=RT$
Here,
$\left(\frac{a}{V^2}\right)$ represents the intermolecular forces and $(V–b)$ is the correct volume.