Calculate a values given equation of state for gases

[TehDarkArchon]

Calculate "a" values given equation of state for gases

Homework Statement

For my equation of state:
V_m = (RT/P) - (a/T)
what kind of sign for the constant a (positive or
negative) do you think the following gases will have and why:
a. H2 b. He c. CH4 d. CO2
Hint: There is almost no math involved.

Homework Equations

V_m = (RT/P) - (a/T) (obviously, lol)
I'm thinking critical values also might play a role, but since my professor stated that nearly no math is involved, I'm thinking that the answers are mostly derived from the given equation.

The Attempt at a Solution

Honestly I have no idea where to start with this. I know in the standard Van der Waal's equation that the a values represent the error intermolecular attractions, and that the values for hydrogen and helium are very small because they basically have no attraction. I'm guessing negative values would represent intermolecular repulsion...any help is appreciated

 

[stallionx]

Homework Statement

For my equation of state:
V_m = (RT/P) - (a/T)
what kind of sign for the constant a (positive or
negative) do you think the following gases will have and why:
a. H2 b. He c. CH4 d. CO2
Hint: There is almost no math involved.

Homework Equations

V_m = (RT/P) - (a/T) (obviously, lol)
I'm thinking critical values also might play a role, but since my professor stated that nearly no math is involved, I'm thinking that the answers are mostly derived from the given equation.

The Attempt at a Solution

Honestly I have no idea where to start with this. I know in the standard Van der Waal's equation that the a values represent the error intermolecular attractions, and that the values for hydrogen and helium are very small because they basically have no attraction. I'm guessing negative values would represent intermolecular repulsion...any help is appreciated

As an educated guess,

I think the answer should relate to the number of atoms in a mole.

where 2,1,5,3 respectfully

 

[TehDarkArchon]

I think the answer is going to be something like CH4 and H2 are negative because they possesses essentially no dipoles (especially H2, since it has no intermolecular interactions as H+ ions, much less as inert H2) while He would be weakly positive due to possessing some Van der Waals force and CO2 would be high positive due to having strong dipoles. However, this isn't based off the equation at all, but maybe it's a leap in the right direction.