The experimentally determined van der Waals constant '' values for , , , and are , , , and respectiv — States of Matter and Gaseous State Chemistry Question
Question
The experimentally determined van der Waals constant '$a$' values for $O_2$, $CO_2$, $C_2H_6$, and $SO_2$ are $1.36$, $3.59$, $5.49$, and $6.72\text{ atm L}^2\text{ mol}^{-2}$ respectively. Which of these gases will be the most easily liquefied?
Answer: D
💡 Solution & Explanation
The van der Waals constant '$a$' is a direct measure of the magnitude of intermolecular attractive forces between the gas molecules. The higher the value of '$a$', the stronger the intermolecular forces, making it easier to pull the molecules together into the liquid phase. Since $SO_2$ has the highest '$a$' value ($6.72$), it is the most easily liquefied.
💬Ask on WhatsApp →
Still have doubts about this question?
Send it to our AI chemistry tutor on WhatsApp — gets answered in minutes