Question

Under what conditions can ideal gases be liquefied? Give reasons to support your answer.

Answer 1

For the liquefication of gas, the intermolecular forces of attraction between gas molecules have to be high. Due to this, gas molecules bind together to form a liquid state. This is possible when:

1. Gas molecules have considerable volume as compared to the size of the container.
2. The distance between the gas molecules is small so that they can come together and force of attraction can develop.

But for an ideal gas, both of these conditions are not fulfilled. For an ideal gas:

1. The volume occupied by the gas molecules is negligible as compared to the total volume of the gas.
2. The force of attraction or repulsion between the gas molecules is negligible.

As a result, an ideal gas cannot be liquefied.