Van Der Waals equation solving for V

In summary, the conversation is about a person trying to solve a problem involving the equation P = RT/(V-b) - a/V^2 and asking for help or suggestions. The conversation also mentions using more parenthesis to make the equation clearer and factoring for V as the next step.
  • #1
George3
31
0

Homework Statement



P = RT/(V-b) - a/V^2

Ive been trying to solve this for V and just can't get it.

Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution


IVe gotten to:
RTV^2 -aV+ab = P(V^3-V^2b)
Any Ideas?
 
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  • #2
George3 said:

Homework Statement



P = RT/(V-b) - a/V^2

Ive been trying to solve this for V and just can't get it.

Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution


IVe gotten to:
RTV^2 -aV+ab = P(V^3-V^2b)
Any Ideas?

Could you use more parenthesis to make the equation clearer? Or is its form just as written:

[tex]P = \frac{RT}{V-b} - \frac{a}{V^2}[/tex]
 
  • #3
From your partial solution, it does look like that was the original form. Collect terms and factor for V would be the next steps...

[tex]()V^3 + ()V^2 + ()V + () = 0[/tex]
 

Related to Van Der Waals equation solving for V

1. What is the Van Der Waals equation and what does it represent?

The Van Der Waals equation is a thermodynamic equation of state that describes the behavior of real gases. It takes into account the non-ideal nature of gas molecules and their interactions, unlike the ideal gas law. It represents the relationship between pressure, volume, and temperature of a gas.

2. How do you solve for volume (V) using the Van Der Waals equation?

To solve for V, you will need to rearrange the equation to isolate V on one side. The equation can be rewritten as V = (nRT)/(P + a(n/V)^2)(V - nb). Once you have isolated V, you can substitute in the given values for n (number of moles), R (gas constant), T (temperature), P (pressure), a (Van Der Waals constant), and b (Van Der Waals constant) to solve for V.

3. What are the Van Der Waals constants and how are they determined?

The Van Der Waals constants, a and b, are empirical constants that take into account the attractive forces between gas molecules (a) and the volume occupied by the gas molecules (b). These constants are determined experimentally by fitting the Van Der Waals equation to data of real gases.

4. Can the Van Der Waals equation be used for all gases?

No, the Van Der Waals equation is only applicable to real gases, which are gases that deviate from ideal gas behavior. It cannot be used for ideal gases, which have no intermolecular forces, or for highly compressed or liquefied gases.

5. Are there any limitations to the Van Der Waals equation?

Yes, the Van Der Waals equation has several limitations. It does not take into account the effects of temperature on gas molecules and assumes that the gas molecules are spherical. It also does not accurately describe the behavior of gases at high pressures or low temperatures. Additionally, the Van Der Waals constants can vary depending on the gas, making it less generalizable compared to other equations of state.

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