What is initial slopes of the plot Z versus P ?

In summary, the conversation involves using the van der Waals constant for H2 and O2 to calculate the initial slopes of the plots of compressibility factor Z versus P. The virial expansion for van der Waals gas in terms of pressure is used to obtain the equation for Z, and the first approximation is taken to calculate the initial slope. The question arises about the value of T to use in the calculation, to which the answer is that it does not involve T. The confirmed values for the initial slopes for O2 and H2 are given and it is requested to determine the value of T that gives the correct answers.
  • #1
Buffu
849
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Homework Statement


Use the van der waals constant for ##H_2## and ##O_2## to calculate the initial slopes of the plots of compressibility factor Z versus P.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



Using virial expansion for van der waal gas in terms of ##P##

I get ##Z = 1 + \dfrac{1}{RT}\left(b - \dfrac{a}{RT} \right)P + \cdots##

Using first approximation,

Then ##\dfrac{dZ}{dP} = \dfrac{1}{RT}\left(b - \dfrac{a}{RT} \right)##.

What is initial slope in this context ? ##T = 0 ## ?
 
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  • #2
What you calculated is the initial slope.
 
  • #3
Chestermiller said:
What you calculated is the initial slope.

But the answer does not involve ##T##.

For ##O_2## it is ##-4.07 \times 10^{-3} bar^{-1}## and for ##H_2## it is ##-6.92 times 10^{-4} bar^{-1}##.

Which value of ##T## should I take ?
 
  • #4
Buffu said:
But the answer does not involve ##T##.

For ##O_2## it is ##-4.07 \times 10^{-3} bar^{-1}## and for ##H_2## it is ##-6.92 times 10^{-4} bar^{-1}##.

Which value of ##T## should I take ?
I confirm you virial expansion for Z in terms of P and T. Can you please determine the value of T that gives the "book" answers?
 

1. What is the meaning of initial slopes in a Z versus P plot?

The initial slope of a Z versus P plot is the slope of the line at the beginning of the plot. This represents the rate of change of the Z variable with respect to the P variable at the starting point.

2. How is the initial slope calculated in a Z versus P plot?

The initial slope is calculated by taking the change in the Z variable divided by the change in the P variable at the starting point. This can be represented as the rise over run of the line at the beginning of the plot.

3. What does the initial slope tell us about the relationship between Z and P?

The initial slope can give us information about the direction and strength of the relationship between Z and P. A steeper initial slope indicates a stronger relationship, while a flatter initial slope suggests a weaker relationship.

4. Can the initial slope change throughout the plot?

Yes, the initial slope can change throughout the plot. This can indicate a change in the relationship between Z and P over time or at different points in the plot.

5. How can the initial slope be used in data analysis?

The initial slope can be used to calculate the rate of change between two variables, which can be useful in understanding the relationship between them. It can also be used to make predictions about future values of the Z variable based on changes in the P variable.

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