Question

The compressibility factor of an ideal gas is:
A.1
B.2
C.4
D.0

Answer 1

Hint: The compressibility factor is the ratio of molar volume of a gas to the molar volume of an ideal gas. We know PV = n R T. For the compressibility factor of an ideal gas, it is measured at the constant temperature and pressure.

Complete step by step answer:
1.First, we know that the compressibility factor is the ratio representation. It is a useful thermodynamic property, represented by symbol Z.
2.It is used to modify the ideal gas law i.e. PV = n R T to the behaviour of real gas.
3.Now, we know for an ideal gas, the factors like temperature, pressure, and volume are kept to be constant.
4.So, we can say that if all these factors are constant, then the number of moles of gas is too constant or equal to 1.
5.Thus, compressibility factor is also described at the constant temperature and pressure.
Therefore, for an ideal gas, the compressibility factor is equal to 1, i.e. Z=1.
So, the correct option is A.

Note: Sometimes, the compression factor, or the gas deviation factor terms are used for the compressibility factor. So, there is no need for confusion. These are other names for Z (compressibility factor). Remember for an ideal gas every factor is kept to be constant.