Question

The correction factor ‘a’ to the ideal gas equation corresponds to:

• A. Electric field present between the gas molecules
• B. Volume of the gas molecules
• C. Density of the gas molecules
• D. Forces of attraction between the gas molecules

Answer 1

The correct option is D Forces of attraction between the gas molecules

van der Wall gas equation is
$(P+\frac{a{n}^2}{v^2}$) $(V-nb$) = nRT
where 'a' and 'b' are van der Waal gas constants and 'a' represents the intermoloecular forces of attraction.

Van der waals Equation

Reason for Deviation: -

There is no force of attraction between the molecules of gas but it is not true as gaseous particles have the force of attraction present between them. So, correction is made in pressure $P+\frac{a}{v^2}$

The volume occupied by the gas molecules is negligible as a compound to the total volume of gas but the volume occupied by the gas doesn’t have negligible value. So, the correction in Volume is V – b

Where, ‘a’ and ‘b’ are Vander Waals gas constant.

Physical Significance of a and b:

The constant “a” is the measure of the magnitude of intermolecular attractive forces between the particles. The constant “b” measure the volume of a gas molecule.