First Year Chemistry Short Questions Answers

CHAPTER

3 GASES
1. Why are liquids less common than solids, gases and plasmas?
Ans: Liquids are less common than solids, gases and plasmas. The reason is that the liquid state of any
substance can exist only within a relatively narrow range of temperature and pressure.
2. Why are solids non-compressible?
Ans: The particles present in solid substances are very close to each other and they are tightly packed. Due to
this reason solids are non-compressible
3. Why does solids have definite shape and volume?
Ans: There are strong attractive forces in solids which hold the particles together firmly and for this reason
solids have definite shape and volume.
4. Define one Atmosphere?
Ans: The pressure of air that can support 760 mmHg column at sea level, is called one atmosphere. It is
the force exerted by 760mm or 76cm long column of mercury on an area of 1cm2 at 0oC.
5. What is gas law?
Ans: The relationships between volume of a given amount of gas and the existing conditions of temperature
and pressure are called the gas laws.
6. Define Boyle’s Law.
Ans: The volume of a given mass of a gas at constant temperature is inversely proportional to the pressure
applied to the gas.
1
V∝
P
k
V=
P
PV = k (when T and n are constant)………. (1)
Boyle’s law can also be defined as, the product of pressure and volume of a fixed amount of a gas at constant
temperature is a constant quantity.
P1V1 = P2V2
P1 and V1 are the initial values of pressure and volume, while P2 and V2 are the final values of pressure and
volume.
What is isotherm? What happens to the positions of isotherms when they are plotted at high
temperature for a particular gas?
Ans: Isotherm: At constant temperature, if a graph is plotted between pressure of
a gas on the x-axis (abscissa) and volume on the y-axis (ordinate), then a curve is
obtained. This curve is called isotherm ‘iso’ means same, “therm” means heat.
Effect of temperature on position of isotherm: By increasing the temperature of
the gas and keeping this temperature constant and again vary the pressure and
volume, and plot the isotherm. It goes away from both the axes. The reason is that
at higher temperature, the volume of the gas has increased. Similarly, if we increase
the temperature further, make it constant and plot another isotherm, it further goes
away from the axis.
7. Why do we get a straight line when pressures exerted on a gas are plotted against inverse of volumes?
This straight line changes its position in the graph by varying the temperature. Justify it.

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Ans: If a graph is plotted between 1/V on x-axis and the pressure P on the y-axis
then a straight line is obtained. This shows that the pressure and inverse of volume
are directly proportional to each other. This straight line will meet at the origin
which means that when the pressure is very close to zero, then the volume is so
high that its inverse is very close to zero.
By increasing the temperature of the same gas from T1 to T2 and keeping it
constant, one can vary pressure and volume. The graph of this data between P and
1/V will give another straight line. This straight line at T2 will be closer to the
pressure-axis.
8. Explain graph between pressure (P) and product of pressure and volume (PV).
Ans: Plot a graph between pressure on x-axis and the product PV on Y-axis. A straight line parallel to the
pressure axis is obtained. This straight line indicates that 'k' is a constant quantity.
At higher constant temperature T2, the volume increase and value of product PV
should increase due to increase of volume at same pressure, but PV remains
constant at this new temperature and a straight line parallel to the pressure axis is
obtained.

9. How will you explain that the value of the constant k in the equation PV = k depends upon:
(i) the temperature of a gas (ii) the quantity of a gas
Ans: (i) At higher constant temperature, the volume increase and value of product PV should increase due to
increase of volume at same pressure, thus value of k increases by increasing temperature of gas and vice versa.
(ii) By increasing the quantity of gas the volume increase and value of product PV should increase due to
increase of volume, hence value of k increases by increasing quantity of gas and vice versa.
10. Define Charles’s Law.
Ans: According to this law, the volume of the given mass of a gas is directly proportional to the absolute
temperature when the pressure is kept constant.
𝑉 ∝ 𝑇 (when pressure and number of moles are constant)
𝑉 = 𝑘𝑇
𝑽
=𝒌
𝑻
11. Which scale of temperature is used to verify that V/T = k (pressure and number of moles are
constant)?
Ans: Charles’s law is not being obeyed when temperature is measured on the Celsius scale. For this reason a
new temperature scale has been developed. It starts from 273°C (more precisely -273.16°C) which is called
zero Kelvin or zero absolute. Charles’s law is obeyed when the temperature is taken on the Kelvin scale.
12. Give quantitative definition of Charles’s Law.
𝟏
Ans: At constant pressure, the volume of the given mass of a gas increases or decreases by 𝟐𝟕𝟑 of its original
volume at 0°C for every 1°C rise or fall in temperature respectively.
t
Vt = Vo (1+ )
273
Where Vt = volume of gas at temperature T
Vo = Volume of gas at 0oC
t = Temperature on centigrade or Celsius scale
𝟏
13. Throw some light on the factor 𝟐𝟕𝟑 in Charles’s law.
𝟏
Ans: The factor in Charles’s law shows that at constant pressure the volume of a given mass of a gas
𝟐𝟕𝟑
𝟏
increases or decreases by 𝟐𝟕𝟑 of its original volume at 0oC for every rise or fall in temperature respectively.
The general equation to know the volumes of the gas at various temperatures is:

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t
Vt = Vo (1+ )
273
For example, at 0 C, if the volume of the gas taken is 546 cm , so for 1oC rise in temperature, 2cm3 increase
o 3
1
in volume will take place. 2cm3 is the 273 of 546 cm3.
14. What is absolute zero? Give its value in different temperature scale.
Ans: The hypothetical and unattainable temperature at which the volume of the gas would become zero is
called absolute zero.
It is the temperature at which molecular motion ceases.
Its value is 0K = -273.16oC = -459.69oF
15. What happens to real gas while approaching absolute zero?
Ans: This temperature, -273.16oC is never achieved because all gases liquefy or solidify before reaching this
temperature. Thus, real gases will liquefy or solidify while approaching absolute zero.
16. What is Centigrade scale of temperature?
Ans: This temperature scale has a zero mark for the temperature of ice at one atmospheric pressure. The mark
100°C indicates the temperature of boiling water at 1 atmospheric pressure. The space between these
temperature marks is divided into 100 equal parts and each part is 1°C.
17. What is Fahrenheit scale of temperature?
Ans: It is the temperature scale on which the melting point of ice at 1 atmospheric pressure has a mark 32°F
and that of boiling water is 212oF. The space between these temperature marks is divided into 180 equal parts
and each part is 1 oF.
18. What is Absolute or Kelvin scale of temperature?
Ans: It is the temperature scale on which the melting point of ice at 1 atmospheric pressure is 273K. The water
boils at 373K or more precisely at 373.16K.
Temperature on Kelvin scale = Temperature °C + 273.16
19. Write down relationships for the interconversion of various scales of temperatures.
Ans: Following relationships help us to understand the interconversion of various scales of temperatures.
𝐊 = °𝐂 + 𝟐𝟕𝟑. 𝟏𝟔
𝟓
°𝐂 = [°𝐅 − 𝟑𝟐]
𝟗
𝟗
°𝐅 = [ (°𝐂)] + 𝟑𝟐
𝟓
20. Convert 37oC into oF.
𝟗
Ans: °𝐅 = [𝟓 (°𝐂)] + 𝟑𝟐
9
°𝐹 = [ (37)] + 32
5
°𝐹 = 66.6 + 32
°𝐹 = 98.6°𝐹
21. Convert 100oF into K.
𝟓
Ans: °𝐂 = 𝟗 [°𝐅 − 𝟑𝟐]
5
°𝐶 = [100 − 32]
9
5
°𝐶 = [68]
9
°𝐶 = 37.7°𝐶
𝐊 = °𝐂 + 𝟐𝟕𝟑. 𝟏𝟔
K = 37.7 + 273.16
K = 310.93 K
22. What is the general gas equation?
Ans: The equation which gives simultaneously the effect of changes of pressure and temperature on the
volume of a given mass of a gas is known as the general gas equation or ideal gas equation.
The general gas equation is derived by combining Boyle’s law, Charle’s law and Avogadro’s law.
PV = nRT

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This equation shows that if we have any quantity of an ideal gas then the product of its pressure and volume
is equal to the product of number of moles, general gas constant and absolute temperature.
23. Calculate the value of R in Non-SI units.
Ans: When the pressure is in atm and the volume of the gas in dm3
The volume of one mole of an ideal gas at STP (1atm pressure and 273.16 K) is 22.414 dm3.
n = 1 mole
T = 273.16 K
P = 1 atm
V = 22.414 dm3
PV
R=
nT
1 atm × 22.414 d𝑚3
R=
1 mole × 273.16 K

R = 0.0821 dm3 atm K -1 mol-1

When the pressure is in mmHg or torr and the volume of the gas in cm3
R = 0.0821 dm3 atm K-1 mol-1
R = 0.0821 x 760 dm3 mm Hg K-1 mol-1
R = 62.4 dm3 mmHg K-1 mol-1
R = 62.4 dm3 torr K-1 mol-1 (1 mm of Hg = 1 torr)
R = 62400 cm3 torr K-1 mol-1 (1 dm3 = 1000 cm3)
24. Calculate the value of R in SI units.
Ans: SI Units of R (when the pressure is in Nm-2 and volume in m3)
n = 1 mole
T = 273.16 K
P = 1 atm = 101325 Nm-2
V = 22.414 dm3 = 0.022414 m3 (1 m3 = 1000 dm3)

PV
R=
nT
101325 Nm-2 ×0.022414m3
R=
1 mol × 273.16 K

R = 8.3143 Nm K -1 mol-1

R = 8.3143 J K -1 mol-1 (1 Nm=1J)

25. Derive the units for gas constant R in general gas equation, when energy is expressed in calories.
Ans: When energy is expressed in calories

101325 Nm-2 ×0.022414m3

R=
1 mol × 273.16 K

R = 8.3143 Nm K -1 mol-1
R = 8.3143 J K -1 mol-1 (1 Nm=1J)
Since 1cal. = 4.18 J
8.3143 J K -1 mol-1
R=
4.18 J cal-1
R = 1.989 cal K -1 mol-1
When energy is expressed in ergs
R = 8.3143×107 ergs K -1 mol-1 (1J = 107 ergs)
PM
26. Prove that d = RT
How will you calculate the density of an ideal gas from the general gas equation?

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Ans: PV = nRT
m
n=
M
m
PV = RT
M
m
PM = RT
V
PM = dRT

PM
d=
RT
27. How do you justify from general gas equation that increase in temperature or decrease of pressure
decreases the density of the gas?
Ans: PV = nRT
m
n=
M
m
PV = RT
M
m
PM = RT
V
PM = dRT

PM
d=
RT
This equation shows that,
▪ The density of an ideal gas is directly proportional to the pressure on the gas. Decreasing the pressure
on the gas will decrease the density.
▪ The density of an ideal gas is inversely proportional to temperature. Higher temperature makes the
gases to expand, hence density falls with the increase in temperature.
28. Can we determine the molecular mass of an unknown gas if we know the pressure, temperature and
volume along with the mass of that gas?
Ans: PV = nRT
m
n=
M
m
PV = RT
M
mRT
M=
PV
By using this equation, we can determine the molecular mass of an unknown gas if we know the pressure,
temperature and volume along with the mass of that gas
29. What is Avogadro’s law of gases?
Ans: According to this law, “equal volumes of all the ideal gases at the same temperature and pressure
contain equal number of molecules”.
One mole of an ideal gas at 273.16 K and 1atm pressure has a volume of 22.414 dm3. Since one mole of a gas
has Avogadro’s number of particles, so 22.414 dm3 of various ideal gases at STP will have Avogadro’s number

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of molecules i.e. 6.02 x 10 . 22.414 dm3 of a gas at 273.16 K and one atmospheric pressure has number of
23

molecules = 6.02 x1023.

In other words, if we have one dm3 of each of H2, He, N2, O2, and CO in separate vessels at STP, then the
number of molecules in each will be 2.68 x 1022. This is obtained by dividing 6.02x 1023 with 22.414 dm3.
30. Do you think that 1 mole of H2 and 1 mole NH3 at 00C and one atm. pressure will have Avogadro’s
number of particles?
Ans: One mole any substance has Avogadro’s number of particles. Therefore, 1 mole of H2 and 1 mole NH3
at 0oC and one atm. pressure will have Avogadro’s number of particles.
31. Justify that 1 cm3 of H2 and 1 cm3 of CH4 at STP will have same number of molecules. Although one
molecule of CH4 is 8 times heavier than that of hydrogen?
Ans: According to Avogadro’s law, “Equal volumes of all the ideal gases at the same temperature and pressure
contain equal number of molecules”. Both H2 and CH4 at STP behave like ideal gases and both have equal
volumes (1 cm3 each), therefore, 1 cm3 of H2 and 1 cm3 of CH4 at STP will have same number of molecules.
Although, one molecule of CH4 is 8 times heavier than that of H2 but this does not disturb the volume occupied,
because molecules of the gases are widely separated from each other at STP.
32. State Dalton’s law of partial pressures. Give its expression?
Ans: According to this law, the total pressure exerted by a mixture of non-reacting gases is equal to the sum
of their individual partial pressures.
Let the gases are designated as 1, 2, 3, and their partial pressures are p1, p2, [Link] total pressure (Pt) of the
mixture of gases is given by
Pt = p1 +p2 +p3
33. Define partial pressure.
Ans: Partial Pressure: The partial pressure of a gas in a mixture of gases is the pressure that it would exert
on the walls of the container, if it were present all alone in that same volume under the same temperature.
OR
Partial pressure of a gas is the mole fraction of that gas multiplied by the total pressure of the mixture.
34. Dalton’s law of partial pressures is only obeyed by those gases which don’t have attractive forces
among their molecules. Explain it.
Ans: Only those mixtures of gases obey Dalton’s law of partial pressures which have no attractive forces
among them. If the gases have attractive forces among their molecules, then the gases will not exert the same
pressure which they would exert independently.
P ≠ p1 + p2 + p3
So, Dalton’s law of partial pressures is only obeyed.
35. Derive an equation to find out the partial pressure of a gas knowing the individual moles of
component gases and the total pressure of the mixture.
Ans: let us suppose that we have a mixture of gas A and gas B. This mixture is enclosed in a container having
volume (V). The total pressure is one atm.
The number of moles of the gases A and B are nA and nB respectively. If they are maintained at temperature
T, then
Pt V = nt RT ........... (equation for the mixture of gases)
pA V = nA RT ........... (equation for gas A)
pB V = nB RT ........... (equation for gas B)
Divide the first two equations
pA V nA RT
=
Pt V nt RT
p A nA
=
Pt nt
nA
pA = P
nt t
pA = xA Pt (x is mole fraction of gas A)
Similarly
pB = xB Pt
36. What is Aqueous Tension?
Ans: The partial pressure exerted by the water vapours is called aqueous tension.
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37. Explain that the process of respiration obeys the Dalton’s law of partial pressure?
Ans: Dalton's law finds its applications during the process of respiration. The process of respiration depends
upon the difference in partial pressures. When animals inhale air then oxygen moves into lungs as the partial
pressure of oxygen in the air is 159 torr, while the partial pressure of oxygen in the lungs 116 torr. CO 2
produced during respiration moves out in the opposite direction, as its partial pressure is more in the lungs
than that in air.
38. At higher altitudes, the pilots feel uncomfortable breathing. Why?
Ans: At higher altitudes, the pilots feel uncomfortable breathing because the partial pressure of oxygen in the
un-pressurized cabin is low, as compared to 159 torr, where one feels comfortable breathing.
39. Explain the process of respiration in deep sea.
Ans: Deep sea divers take oxygen mixed with an inert gas say He and adjust the partial pressure of oxygen
according to the requirement. Actually, in sea after every 100 feet depth, the diver experiences approximately
3 atm pressure, so normal air cannot be breathed in depth of sea. Moreover, the pressure of N 2 increases in
depth of sea and it diffuses in the blood.
40. How do you differentiate between diffusion and effusion?
Ans:
Diffusion Effusion
(i) It is spontaneous mixing up of molecules by (i) It is escaping of gas molecules one by one
random motion and collisions to form a through a tiny hole of molecular size into a
homogeneous mixture. space with lesser pressure.
(ii) It occurs due to collisions between molecules. (ii) Collisions between molecules are not necessary
for effusion.
(iii) It is usually faster than effusion (iii) It is usually slower than diffusion.
(iv) For example: The spreading of fragrance (iv) For example: deflation of balloon.
molecules throughout the room.

41. What is Graham’s law of diffusion?

Ans: “The rate of diffusion or effusion of a gas is inversely proportional to the square root of its density at
constant temperature and pressure.”
1
Rate of diffusion ∝ (at constant temperature and pressure)
√d
1
Rate of diffusion =
√d
42. Rate of diffusion of NH3 gas is more than HCl gas, why?
Ans: The rate of diffusion of NH3 (ammonia) gas is higher than HCl (hydrogen chloride) gas because NH3
has a lower molar mass (17 g/mol) compared to HCl (36.5 g/mol). According to Graham's Law of Diffusion,
lighter gases diffuse faster than heavier gases. Since NH3 is lighter, its molecules move more quickly, leading
to a higher rate of diffusion.
43. Lighter gases diffuse more rapidly than heavier gases. Give reason.
Ans: Lighter gases diffuse more rapidly because they have lower molar masses, allowing their molecules to
move faster at the same temperature. According to Graham's Law, the rate of diffusion is inversely
proportional to the square root of the molar mass, so lighter gases travel faster and spread out more quickly
than heavier gases.
44. Write fundamental postulates of Kinetic Theory of Gases.
Ans: Following are the fundamental postulates of this kinetic theory of gases.
1. Every gas consists of a large number of very small particles called molecules. Gases like He, Ne, Ar
have monoatomic molecules.
2. The molecules of a gas move haphazardly, colliding among themselves and with the walls of the
container and change their directions.
3. The pressure exerted by a gas is due to the collisions of its molecules with the walls of a container. The
collisions among the molecules are perfectly elastic.
4. The molecules of a gas are widely separated from one another and there are sufficient empty spaces
among them.

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5. The molecules of a gas have no forces of attraction for each other.
6. The actual volume of molecules of a gas is negligible as compared to the volume of the gas.
7. The motion imparted to the molecules by gravity is negligible as compared to the effect of the continued
collisions between them.
8. The average kinetic energy of the gas molecules varies directly as the absolute temperature of the gas.
45. What is mean square velocity(c̅2 )?
Ans: The average of the squares of all the possible velocities is called mean square velocity.
All the molecules of a gas under the given conditions don’t have the same velocities. Rather different velocities
are distributed among the molecules. If there are 𝑛1 molecules with velocity 𝑐1, 𝑛2 molecules with velocity
𝑐2 , and so on then,
𝑐12 + 𝑐22 + 𝑐32 + ⋯
c̅2 =
𝑛1 + 𝑛2 + 𝑛3 + ⋯
In this reference n1+n2+n3+ .......=N
c̅2 , is the average of the squares of all the possible velocities.
46. What is root mean square velocity (Crms)?
Ans: When we take the square root of mean square velocity c̅2 , then it is called root mean square velocity
(Crms). So, (Crms) = √̅̅̅𝑐2
3RT
Crms =√
M
Where, Crms = root mean square velocity
M = molar mass of the gas
T = temperature
This equation is a quantitative relationship between the absolute temperature and the velocities of the gas
molecules. According to this equation, higher the temperature of a gas, greater the velocities.
47. Derive Boyle’s Law from Kinetic Theory of Gases.
Ans: According to one of the postulates of kinetic theory of gases, the kinetic energy is directly proportional
1
to the absolute temperature of the gas. The kinetic energy of N molecules is 2 mNc̅2 so,
1
mNc̅2 ∝ T
2
1
mNc̅2 = kT … … … . (16)
2
According to the kinetic equation of gases
1
PV = mNc̅2
3
Multiplying and dividing by 2 on right hand side
2 1
PV = ( mNc̅2 ) … … … . (17)
3 2
Putting equation (16) into equation (17).
2
PV = kT … … … . (18)
3
2
If the temperature (T) is constant then right hand side of equation (18) 3 kT is constant. Let that constant be
k’.
PV = k ' (which is Boyle's law)
Hence at constant temperature and number of moles, the product PV is a constant quantity.
48. Derive Charles’s law from Kinetic Theory of Gases
Ans: According to one of the postulates of kinetic theory of gases, the kinetic energy is directly proportional
1
to the absolute temperature of the gas. The kinetic energy of N molecules is 2 mNc̅2 so,
1
mNc̅2 ∝ T
2

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1
mNc̅2 = kT … … … . (16)
2
According to the kinetic equation of gases
1
PV = mNc̅2
3
Multiplying and dividing by 2 on right hand side
2 1
PV = ( mNc̅2 ) … … … . (17)
3 2
Putting equation (16) into equation (17).
2
PV = kT … … … . (18)
3
2 kT
V=
3 P
2k
V = ( )T
3P
At constant pressure,
Therefore,
2k
= k''
3P
V = k'' T
V
= k'' (which is Charles′s law)
T
49. Derive Avogadro’s Law from Kinetic Theory of Gases
Ans: Consider two gases 1 and 2 at the same pressure P and having the same volume V. Their number of
molecules are N1 and N2, masses of molecules are m1 and m2 and mean square velocities are ̅̅̅ 𝑐12 and ̅̅̅
𝑐22
respectively.
Their kinetic equations can be written as follows:
1
PV = m1 N1 c̅21 for gas(1)
3
1
PV = m2 N2 c̅22 for gas(2)
3
Equalizing
1 1
m1 N1 c̅21 = m2 N2 c̅22
3 3
m1 N1 c1 = m2 N2 c̅22 … … … . (19)
̅2

When the temperature of both gases is the same, their mean kinetic energies per molecule will also be same,
so
1 ̅2 1
m1 c1 = m2 c̅22
2 2
m1 c1 = m2 c̅22 … … … . (20)
̅2

Divide equation (19) by (20)

𝑚1 𝑁1 ̅̅̅
𝑐12 𝑚2 𝑁2 ̅̅̅
𝑐22
=
m c̅2
1 1 m c̅2
2 2
N1 = N2
Hence equal volumes of all the gases at the same temperature and pressure contain equal number of molecules,
which is Avogadro’s law.
50. Derive Graham’s Law of Diffusion from Kinetic Theory of Gases
Ans:
1
PV= mNc̅2 … … … . (13)
3
Applying the kinetic equation
1
PV= mNA c̅2
3
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If we take one mole of a gas having Avogadro’s number of molecules (N = NA) then the equation (13) can be
written as:
1
PV= Mc̅2 (M = mNA ) … … … . (21)
3
3PV
c̅2 =
M
where M is the molecular mass of the gas
Taking square root
3PV
√c̅2 =√
M

3P
√c̅2 =√
M/V

3P M
√c̅2 =√ ( =d)
d V
'V' is the molar volume of gas at given conditions. Since the root mean square velocity of the gas is
proportional to the rate of diffusion of the gas.
√c̅2 ∝ r

3P
r ∝√
d
At constant pressure
1
r ∝√ which is Graham’s law of diffusion.
d
51. What is general principle of liquefaction of gases?
Ans: The conversion of a gas into a liquid requires high pressure and low temperature. High pressure brings
the molecules of a gas close to each other. Low temperature deprives the molecules from kinetic energy and
attractive forces start dominating.
52. What is critical temperature of a gas? What is its importance for liquefaction of gases?
Ans: The highest temperature at which a substance can exist as a liquid, is called its critical temperature
(Tc).
For example, CO2 has a critical temperature 304.3 K (31.142 °C).
The critical temperature and the critical pressure of the substances are very important for the workers dealing
with the gases. These properties provide us the information about the condition under which gases liquefy.
53. Why is the critical temperature of water higher than argon?
Ans: Non-polar gases of low polarizability like Ar have weak van der Waals forces and therefore have a very
low critical temperature. The substances like H2O vapours and NH3 gas are among the polar gases and they
have strong intermolecular forces and therefore better tendencies to be liquefied.
54. What is critical pressure of a gas?
Ans: There is a corresponding pressure which is required to bring about liquefaction at the critical
temperature (Tc). This is called critical pressure (Pc).
For example, CO2 has a critical pressure 73atm.
55. What is critical volume of a gas?
Ans:
For example, CO2 has a critical volume 95.65 cm3 mol-1.
56. Name the factors affecting critical temperature.
Ans: The value of the critical temperature of a gas depends upon its size, shape and intermolecular forces
present in it.
57. What is Joule-Thomson effect? Give its application.

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Ans: Low temperature can be achieved by Joule-Thomson effect, according to which when a compressed gas
is allowed to expand into a region of low pressure it gets cooled.
Applications:
• It is used in liquefaction of gases.
• It is used in refrigerators.
• It is used in air conditioners.
• It is used in ice factories.
58. Differentiate between ideal and non-ideal gases.
Ans:
Ideal Gas or Non-Real Gas Non-Ideal Gas or Real Gas
(i) An ideal gas obeys Boyle’s law, Charles’s law (i) Non-ideal gas does not obey Boyle’s law,
and the general gas equation under all conditions Charles’s law and the general gas equation under
of temperature and pressure. all conditions of temperature and pressure.
(ii) There are no intermolecular forces among the (ii) Intermolecular forces exist among the molecules
molecules of ideal gas. of non-ideal gas.
(iii)It does not exist in reality. (iii)It exists in reality.
(iv) It has higher pressure than non-ideal gas. (iv) It has lower pressure than ideal gas.
(v) Compressibility factor value is unity under all (v) Compressibility factor value is not unity under all
conditions for an ideal gas. conditions for an ideal gas.

59. Gases deviate from ideal behaviour more significantly at high pressure, why?
Ans: When the pressure on a gas is high and the temperature is low then the attractive forces among the
molecules become significant, so the ideal gas equation PV = nRT does not hold. Actually, under these
conditions, the gas does not remain ideal. The actual volume of the molecules of a gas can not be neglected as
compared to the volume of the vessel, when the gas is subjected to high pressure.
60. Why real gases deviate from ideal behaviour?
Ans: Real gases deviate from ideal behaviour at high pressure and low temperature because under these
conditions the attractive forces among the molecules become significant, so the ideal gas equation PV = nRT
does not hold. The actual volume of the molecules of a gas can not be neglected as compared to the volume
of the vessel, when the gas is subjected to high pressure.
61. Give two faulty assumptions of kinetic theory of gases.
Ans: These postulates are as under:
(i) There are no forces of attraction among the molecules of a gas.
(ii) The actual volume of gas molecules is negligible as compared to the volume of the vessel.
62. Describe that SO2 is comparatively non-ideal at 273 K but behave ideally at 327 oC.
Ans: At 273 K, SO2 behaves non-ideally due to the presence of significant intermolecular forces, which cause
deviations from ideal gas behavior. At this lower temperature, the attractive forces between SO2 molecules
are more pronounced. However, at 327°C, the thermal energy of the molecules increases, causing them to
move more rapidly and reducing the influence of intermolecular forces, allowing SO2 to behave more like an
ideal gas with negligible interactions.
63. Water vapours do not behave ideally at 273K.
Ans: Water vapor does not behave ideally at 273 K (0°C) due to intermolecular forces between water
molecules. At this temperature, the attractive forces between molecules become significant, causing deviations
from ideal gas behavior, where gases are assumed to have no intermolecular forces.
64. What is Effective volume or Excluded volume?
Ans: It is that volume of gas which is occupied by 1 mole of gas molecules in highly compressed state, but
not in the liquid state.
In fact, it is four times the actual volume of molecules.
b = 4Vm
Where Vm is the actual volume of one mole of gas molecules, 'b' is effective volume or excluded volume of
one mole of a gas.
65. Write down the units of ‘a’ and ‘b’ in van der Waal’s Equation.

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 First Year Chemistry Short Questions Answers
Ans: Units of ‘a’:
' an2
P =
V2
2
P' V
a= 2
n
2
atm × (dm3 )
a=
(mol)2
a = atm dm6 mol-2
In S.I. units, pressure is in Nm-2 and volume in m3
Nm-2 × (m3 )2
a=
(mol)2
a = Nm4 mol-2

Units of ‘b’: ‘b’ is excluded or incompressible volume /mol-1 of gas. Hence its units should be dm3 mol-1 or
m3 mol-1
66. What is the physical significance of van der Waals’ constants, ‘a’ and ‘b’?
Ans: The van der Waals constants, 'a' and 'b', account for the non-ideal behaviour of real gases:
• 'a': Corrects for intermolecular attractive forces. It represents the strength of attraction between gas
molecules, with larger values indicating stronger intermolecular forces.
• 'b': Corrects for the finite volume of gas molecules. It represents the effective volume occupied by the
gas molecules themselves, reducing the free volume available for movement.
Together, these constants adjust the ideal gas law to better describe the behaviour of real gases.
67. Pressure of NH3 gas at given conditions is less as calculated by van der Waals equation than that
calculated by general gas equation.
Ans: The pressure of NH3 gas calculated using the van der Waals equation is lower than that calculated by
the ideal gas law because of the significant intermolecular forces present in NH3. The van der Waals constant
'a' corrects for these attractive forces, which reduce the effective pressure exerted by the gas molecules on the
container walls. In contrast, the ideal gas law does not account for intermolecular attractions, leading to a
higher calculated pressure.
68. What is plasma?
Ans: The ionized gas mixture, consisting of ions, electrons and neutral atoms is called plasma.
Plasma is often called the “fourth state of matter”. Plasma was identified by the English scientist William
Crookes in 1879. In constitute more than 99 percent of the visible universe. Although, naturally occurring
plasma is rare on earth, there are many man-made examples.
69. How is plasma formed?
Ans: When more heat is supplied, the atoms or molecules may be ionized. An electron may gain enough
energy to escape its atom. This atom loses one electron and develops a net positive charge. It becomes an ion.
In a sufficiently heated gas, ionization happens many times, creating clouds of free electrons and ions.
However, all the atoms are not necessarily ionized, and some of them may remain completely intact with no
net charge. This ionized gas mixture, consisting of ions, electrons and neutral atoms is called plasma.
70. Describe types of plasma.
Ans: There are two types of plasma.
(i) Natural plasma
Artificial plasma can be created by ionization of a gas as in neon signs. Plasma at low temperatures is hard to
maintain because outside a vacuum low temperature plasma reacts rapidly with any molecule it encounters.
This aspect makes this material, both very useful and hard to use.
(ii) Artificial plasma
Natural plasma exists only at very high temperatures, or low temperature vacuums. Natural plasma on the
other hand do not breakdown or react rapidly, but is extremely hot (over 20,000°C minimum). Their energy
is so high that they vaporize any material they touch.
71. What are characteristics of plasma?

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 First Year Chemistry Short Questions Answers
Ans: 1. A plasma must have sufficient number of charged particles so as a whole, it exhibits a collective
response to electric and magnetic fields. The motion of the particles in the plasma generate fields and electric
currents from within plasma density. It refers to the density of the charged particles. This complex set of
interactions makes plasma a unique, fascinating, and complex state of matter.
2. Although plasma includes electrons and ions and conducts electricity, it is macroscopically neutral.
In measurable quantities the number of electrons and ions are equal.
72. Where is plasma found?
Ans:
• Entire universe is almost of plasma. It existed before any other forms of matter came into being.
• Plasmas are found in everything from the sun to quarks, the smallest particles in the universe.
• Plasma is the most abundant form of matter in the universe. It is the stuff of stars.
• A majority of the matter in inner-stellar space is plasma.
• All the stars that shine are all plasma. The sun is a 1.5 million kilometer ball of plasma, heated by nuclear
fusion.
• One earth it only occurs in a few limited places, like lightning bolts, lames, auroras, and fluorescent lights.
When an electric current is passed through neon gas, it produces both plasma and light.
73. Write down applications of plasma.
Ans:
1. A fluorescent light bulb is not like regular light bulbs. Inside the long tube is a gas. When the light is turned
on, electricity lows through the tube. This electricity acts as that special energy and charges up the gas.
This charging and exciting of the atoms creates a glowing plasma inside the bulb.
2. Neon signs are glass tubes filled with gas. When they are turned on then the electricity lows through the
tube. The electricity charges the gas, possibly neon, and creates a plasma inside the tube. The plasma glows
with a special colour depending on what kind of gas is inside.
3. They find applications such as plasma processing of semiconductors, sterilization of some medical
products, lamps, lasers, diamond coated films, high power microwave sources and pulsed power switches.
4. They also provide the foundation for important potential applications such as the generation of electrical
energy from fusion pollution control and removal of hazardous chemicals.
5. Plasma light up our offices and homes, make our computers and electronic equipment work.
6. They drive lasers and particle accelerators, help to clean up the environment, pasteurize foods and make
tools corrosion-resistant.

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