Van der Waal's equation for a gas is stated as,
`p = (nRT)/(V-nb) - a(n/V)^(2)`.
This equation reduces to the perfect gas equation, `p = (nRT)/V` when,

Options

A. temperature is sufficiently high and pressure is low
B. both temperature and pressure are very low.
C. both temperature and pressure are very high.
D. both temperature and pressure are very high.

Answer

A

Explanation

At very high temperatures & low pressures, the characteristic constant behaviour can be understood from virial expansion.
`Z = (PV_(m))/(RT) =1 + (b-a/(RT)) 1/V_(m) + b^(2)/V_(m)^(2)` + …..
`V_(m)`, molar volume large i.e. `b^(2)/V_(m)^(2) to 0`
i.e Third term in virial expansion can be ignored.
In qualitative terms, the real gas will show ideal behaviour when the intermolecular forces of attraction will be negligible which is possible at high temperature and low pressure. Also `(b -a/(RT)) to 0`
i.e. `Z ~~ 1` and gas behaves ideally.