For real gases the relation between p, V and T is given by van der Waals equation: p + (an^2)/V^2 (V - nb) = nRT where ‘a’ and ‘b’ are van der Waals constants, ‘nb’ is approximately equal to the - Chemistry

Question

For real gases the relation between p, V and T is given by van der Waals equation:

`p + (an^2)/V^2 (V - nb) = nRT`

where ‘a’ and ‘b’ are van der Waals constants, ‘nb’ is approximately equal to the total volume of the molecules of a gas. ‘a’ is the measure of magnitude of intermolecular attraction.

Arrange the following gases in the decreasing order of magnitude of ‘a’. Give reason.

\[\ce{CH4, O2, H2}\]

Short Note

Solution

The decreasing order of magnitude of ‘a’ of the given molecule is \[\ce{CH4 > O2 > H2}\]

The Van der waals constant ‘a’ represents the magnitude of intermolecular attraction which increases with increase in the size of the electron cloud of the molecule. So the greater the size of a molecule, greater will be the electron cloud and hence greater will be the polarisability and more will be the magnitude of intermolecular attraction.

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Intermolecular Forces - Introduction

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Q 34.(ii)Q 34.(i)Q 35

Chapter 5: States of Matter - Multiple Choice Questions (Type - I) [Page 58]