Answer: the intermolecular attraction.
- A the finite molecular volume
- B the intermolecular attraction
- C a very high kinetic energy
- D an unusually low molar mass
Correct answer: B. the intermolecular attraction
Explanation: When attractions dominate, the gas is more compressible than ideal, so Z falls below 1.
Boyle's law: at constant temperature the pressure of a fixed mass of gas is inversely proportional to its volume (P ∝ 1/V), so the P–V plot is a hyperbola — halving the volume doubles the pressure. Image: Reginaprice2013, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Concept context
Discover why gases expand to fill any container while liquids flow and solids hold their shape. Master the gas laws, the ideal gas equation, and the reasons real gases deviate from ideal behavior.