Answer: the finite volume of molecules.
- A the attractive forces present
- B the finite volume of molecules
- C the average kinetic energy
- D the absolute temperature
Correct answer: B. the finite volume of molecules
Explanation: The term nb corrects the volume for the finite size of the gas molecules themselves.
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.