Van Der Waals constant "a" depends on the intermolecular forces among gas molecules. Comparing the following gases, which one will have the highest value for "a"?
Van Der Waals constant "a" depends on the intermolecular forces among gas molecules. Comparing the following gases, which one will have the highest value for "a"?
Explanation
The Van der Waals constant "a" represents the magnitude of intermolecular attractions.
A higher "a" value means stronger intermolecular forces.
- He and H₂ are very light, nonpolar, and have weak intermolecular forces.
- N₂ is also nonpolar but heavier than He and H₂.
- CH₄ (Methane) is nonpolar but larger and more polarizable, so it has stronger London dispersion forces.
→ Therefore, CH₄ has the highest "a" value among the given options.