Van der Waals equation
Videos
The van der Waals equation is an equation of state that relates the pressure, molar volume, and temperature in fluids. It describes both the liquid and gas states. It was the first successful thermody
Figure A: Van der Waals equation on a wall in Leiden
Ideal gas law
Videos
The ideal gas law, also called the general gas equation, is the equation of state of a hypothetical ideal gas. It is a good approximation of the behavior of many gases under many conditions, although
Van der Waals equation
…pressure, and the critical point. These predictions are accurate for only a few substances. Most simple fluids are only a valuable approximation. The ideal gas law follows from the van der Waals equation whenever the molar volume v is sufficiently large (when v ≫ b , so v − b ≈ v ), or equivalently whenever the…
Molecular collisions within a closed container (a propane tank) are shown (right). The arrows represent the random motions and collisions of these molecules. The pressure and temperature of the gas are directly proportional: As temperature increases, the pressure of the propane gas increases by the same factor. A simple consequence of this proportionality is that on a hot summer day, the propane tank pressure will be elevated, and thus propane tanks must be rated to withstand such increases in pressure.
Relationship between the six gas laws