Question
What are the faulty assumptions in the kinetic theory of gases which are responsible for deviations from ideal behaviour of gases?
Solution
Vander Waal pointed out that following two assumptions in kinetic theory are faulty:
(i) The volume occupied by the gas molecule is negligible in comparison to the total volume of the gas. This assumption is nearly valid if the pressure is low.
(ii) The molecules do not exert any force of attraction upon one another. This assumption is nearly valid when the pressure is low and the temperature is high.
