Van der Waals gas is not real gas?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the van der Waals equation and its application to real gases, particularly at critical conditions. The equations derived for critical pressure, volume, and temperature lead to a contradiction when experimental values for T, P, and v are substituted, resulting in differing values for the parameter b. Participants question the assumption that real gases can be treated as perfect van der Waals gases, highlighting that the van der Waals equation is based on theoretical assumptions that do not perfectly describe any actual gas. Clarification is sought on the terminology used, as "real gas" can sometimes refer to non-ideal gases rather than strictly adhering to the van der Waals model. The conversation emphasizes the complexities and limitations of applying the van der Waals equation to real-world scenarios.
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From van der Waals , (P+a/v^2)(v-b)=RT,
At critical temperature, I get (∂P/∂V)at constant temperature =0
and (∂^2P/∂V^2) at constant temperature ,T=0.
then critical pressure,P = a/(27b^2)--------1
critical volume,v=3b-----------2
critical temperature=8a/(27Rb)----------3
then simultaneous equation 1 and 3,
I get b=(RT/8P), b=(v/3) ------------------4
But from the experiment, we get T,P,v and then substitute into the two equation from 4,both b have different values. Why?

Thank you
 
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(P+a/v^2)(v-b)=RT

Using your equations:
P = a/(27b^2)
v=3b
T=8a/(27Rb)

I get
(a/(27b^2)+a/(9b^2))(2b)=8Ra/(27Rb)
8/(27b) = 8/(27b)

Looks fine.

But from the experiment, we get T,P,v
Are you sure your real gas is a perfect van-der-Waals gas?
 
mfb said:
(P+a/v^2)(v-b)=RT

Are you sure your real gas is a perfect van-der-Waals gas?

I though all real gas is van der Waals ? Then what do you mean by perfect van der Waals?
 
On other threads which you've started, it's been made clear (I think) that the V der W equation is a theoretical equation based on some quite crude assumptions. No actual gas obeys the V der W equation perfectly. [The confusion may be caused because 'real gas' is sometimes used to mean non-ideal gas, even a theoretical non-ideal gas, and not necessarily an actual gas.]
 
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