ideal gas and kinetic molecular theory

Ideal Gas

A theoretical gas that follows the ideal gas law under all conditions.

Real Gas

A real-world gas that deviates from ideal behavior, especially at high pressure and low temperature.

Molecular Interactions

Ideal gases have no intermolecular forces, while real gases exhibit van der Waals forces and dipole interactions.

Volume of Particles

Ideal gas particles are considered to have zero volume, while real gas particles have finite volume and occupy space.

Obeys Ideal Gas Law

Ideal gases always follow the equation PV = nRT exactly; real gases only do under low pressure and high temperature.

Compressibility

Ideal gases are easily compressible without limit, while real gases become difficult to compress under high pressure.

Condensation

Ideal gases do not condense into a liquid; real gases can condense when cooled or compressed.

Examples of Gases

Ideal gas is a theoretical concept; real gases include O₂, CO₂, N₂, and H₂O vapor, which behave as real gases under extreme conditions.

Real Gas Behavior

Real gases behave like ideal gases at high temperatures and low pressures because the effects of intermolecular forces become negligible.