Real-gas behaviour: The temperature at which the second virial coefficient (B) of a real gas becomes zero is known as the ________.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Boyle temperature

Explanation:

Introduction / Context:The virial equation of state expands real-gas behaviour in powers of 1/V or p, with the second virial coefficient B(T) capturing pairwise interactions. The temperature where B(T) = 0 is important because the gas shows nearly ideal compressibility over a moderate pressure range.

Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Definition of B(T) as a function of temperature alone for a given gas.
  • Classical virial EoS context.

Concept / Approach:At the Boyle temperature, Z = pV/RT approaches 1 with minimal slope at low pressures, since the first correction term (involving B) vanishes. This does not mean perfect ideality at all pressures; higher virial terms still matter at higher p.

Step-by-Step Solution:Recall virial form: Z = 1 + B(T)p/RT + C(T)p^2/…Set B(T) = 0 → lowest-order deviation disappears.By definition, this T is the Boyle temperature.

Verification / Alternative check:Compressibility-factor charts show that near the Boyle temperature, the Z–p curve is flat at low p.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:Eutectic relates to solid–solid–liquid equilibria; boiling and critical temperatures are phase-change properties; consolute point applies to liquid–liquid miscibility.

Common Pitfalls:Confusing Boyle temperature with Boyle’s law (isothermal ideality) at any temperature—real gases approximate it only near this special temperature at low p.

Final Answer:Boyle temperature

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