MolSynapsequestion bank
MolSynapse / Question bank / Real Gases / van der Waals equation and its constants
NEET levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 1 of 3rg068

The pressure of a real gas is less than that calculated from the ideal gas equation at the same and (at moderate pressure) because

  1. Amolecules striking the wall are pulled back by their neighbours, reducing the force of impact
  2. Bmolecules have finite size
  3. Cthe gas constant changes
  4. Dthe molecules move more slowly at high pressure

Answer: A

A molecule about to hit the wall is attracted by the bulk gas behind it, so it hits the wall with less momentum. The observed pressure is lower than ideal by , the term that is added back in the van der Waals equation.
Practice Real Gases More on van der Waals equation and its constants

More questions on van der Waals equation and its constants