Classical thermodynamics, heat transfer Equations of state and phases Concept
van der Waals equation
Summary
The van der Waals equation is an equation of state for real fluids that corrects the ideal gas law by two constants. One accounts for the attraction between molecules and one for their finite size. It was proposed by Johannes Diderik van der Waals in 1873. It is the simplest equation of state that predicts the condensation of a gas into a liquid and a critical point. With the Maxwell construction it gives a qualitative theory of the liquid-gas transition.
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| Tag | X576BQTPQ5 |
|---|---|
| URI | m2://X576BQTPQ5 |
| Kind | concept |
| Writing | W0 stub |
| MSC | 80A10, 82D05, 82B26 |
| Specializes | Equation of state |
| Same as | |
| Changed | 3 November 2026 |
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Used by
- Compressibility factor
- Maxwell equal-area construction
- Redlich–Kwong equation of state
- Ideal gas law
- Law of corresponding states