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The compressibility factor (z) is a correction factor that describes the deviation of a real gas from ideal gas behavior. It is defined as the ratio of the molar volume of a gas to the molar volume of an ideal gas at the same temperature and pressure.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula provides the first-order correction to ideal gas behavior using the second virial coefficient, which accounts for pairwise interactions between gas molecules.
Details: The compressibility factor is crucial in thermodynamics and chemical engineering for accurate prediction of gas behavior under various conditions, particularly at high pressures where gases deviate significantly from ideal behavior.
Tips: Enter the second virial coefficient in m³, pressure in Pascals, and temperature in Kelvin. All values must be valid (temperature > 0).
Q1: What does a compressibility factor of 1 indicate?
A: A compressibility factor of 1 indicates ideal gas behavior, where the gas follows the ideal gas law perfectly.
Q2: When is this approximation valid?
A: This first-order approximation is valid at moderate pressures where higher-order virial coefficients can be neglected.
Q3: What factors affect the second virial coefficient?
A: The second virial coefficient depends on temperature and the nature of intermolecular forces between gas molecules.
Q4: How does temperature affect compressibility?
A: Generally, gases behave more ideally (z approaches 1) at higher temperatures and lower pressures.
Q5: What are typical values of compressibility factor?
A: For most gases at moderate conditions, z ranges from 0.8 to 1.2, but can vary significantly at extreme conditions.