Table 10.3 shows that the van der Waals b parameter has units of L/mol. This means that we can calculate the sizes of atoms or molecules from the b parameter. Refer back to the discussion in Section 7.3. Is the van der Waals radius we calculate from the b parameter of Table 10.3 more closely associated with the bonding or nonbonding atomic radius discussed there? Explain.

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Identify the van der Waals b parameter, which accounts for the volume occupied by gas molecules and is expressed in units of L/mol.

Understand that the van der Waals b parameter is related to the size of the molecules, as it represents the excluded volume per mole of molecules.

Recall that the van der Waals radius is a measure of the size of an atom or molecule when it is not bonded to another atom, reflecting the space it occupies due to electron cloud repulsion.

Compare the van der Waals radius with the bonding atomic radius, which is typically smaller because it represents the distance between nuclei in a bonded state, where electron clouds overlap.

Conclude that the van der Waals radius calculated from the b parameter is more closely associated with the nonbonding atomic radius, as it reflects the size of the molecule when not involved in bonding.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

van der Waals b parameter

The van der Waals b parameter represents the volume occupied by one mole of particles in a gas, accounting for the finite size of the molecules. It is a crucial factor in the van der Waals equation, which describes real gas behavior by incorporating molecular interactions and sizes. The b parameter helps in estimating the effective size of atoms or molecules, which is essential for understanding intermolecular forces.

van der Waals radius

The van der Waals radius is a measure of the size of an atom or molecule when it is not bonded to another atom. It reflects the distance at which the electron clouds of two nonbonding atoms begin to overlap, indicating the effective size of the atom in a nonbonding context. This radius is important for understanding molecular interactions, particularly in gases and liquids where atoms are not held together by covalent bonds.

bonding vs. nonbonding atomic radius

Bonding atomic radius refers to the size of an atom when it is involved in a chemical bond, typically smaller due to the influence of electron sharing or transfer. In contrast, nonbonding atomic radius, such as the van der Waals radius, describes the size of an atom when it is not participating in bonding interactions. Understanding the distinction between these radii is essential for interpreting molecular structures and interactions in various states of matter.

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Atomic Radius

Related Practice

Textbook Question

Calculate the pressure that CCl₄ will exert at 80 °C if 1.00 mol occupies 33.3 L, assuming that (a) CCl₄ obeys the ideal-gas equation (b) CCl₄ obeys the van der Waals equation. (Values for the van der Waals constants are given in Table 10.3.)

Textbook Question

Calculate the pressure that CCl₄ will exert at 80 °C if 1.00 mol occupies 33.3 L, assuming that (c) Which would you expect to deviate more from ideal behavior under these conditions, Cl₂ or CCl₄? Explain.

Textbook Question

Torricelli, who invented the barometer, used mercury inits construction because mercury has a very high density,which makes it possible to make a more compact barometerthan one based on a less dense fluid. Calculate the densityof mercury using the observation that the column ofmercury is 760 mm high when the atmospheric pressure is1.01 * 105 Pa. Assume the tube containing the mercury isa cylinder with a constant cross-sectional area.

Textbook Question

A gas bubble with a volume of 1.0 mm³ originates at the bottom of a lake where the pressure is 3.0 atm. Calculate its volume when the bubble reaches the surface of the lake where the pressure is 730 torr, assuming that the temperature does not change.