Question

1. What is meant by compressibility factor, Z? 

2. What is the significance of compressibility factor? 

3. A plot of pV/nRT of oxygen gas against p is as follows:

(a) Is the gas ideal or real? 

(b) Write the equation of state of the above gas.

Answer 1

1. Compressibility factor (Z) is the ratio of product pV and nRT. Mathematically, Z = \(\frac{pV}{nRT}\)

2. The deviation of real gases from ideal behaviour can be measured in terms of compressibility factor. 

3. (a) Real gas.

\(\Big[p+\frac{an^2}{V^2}\Big]\) [V-nb] = nRT (van der Waals’ equation)