Types of Ideal Gas

Before we move towards all the other complex terms related with the types of ideal gas, let’s briefly understand what ideal gas means. In simple words, ideal gas refers to the gas that obeys the Ideal Gas Law. This means that in this gas, the molecular forces between the gases and volumes of these molecules are so negligible or small that they bear no effect on the gas. This also sums up the definition of Ideal Gas Law.

The other term that we need to deal with is the Ideal Gas Law. The Ideal Gas Law depends on several factors like volume, pressure, and temperature. Without these three factors, you can’t possibly determine if the gas is ideal or not. The gas is analysed under three different categories and then assessed if it is an ideal gas or not. It is also said that an ideal gas has a special matter state. Let’s find out more about the same!

What is the Ideal Gas Law?

Any gas that follows the Ideal Gas Law is termed ideal gas. Such an ideal gas is defined as a gas with no intermolecular attractive forces between them. The atoms and molecules present in the gas are also elastic and can freely move about from one place to another. This is one of the characteristics of an ideal gas. They are a collection of several spherical balls that are present together but never seem to interact with each other. They may collide with each other, however.

In an ideal gas, all the change in the overall energy is dependent on the change of kinetic energy. A change also follows any such change in the internal energy in the temperature of the gas.

Three main units define the properties of an ideal gas. They are:

• P: Absolute Pressure

• V: Volume

• T: Absolute Temperature

When we deduce a relationship between them, we use the Kinetic Theory. It is then represented by:

Ideal Gas Law: PV = NRT = NkT

Herein,

•  n = number of moles

• N = number of molecules

• R = Universal Gas Constant = 8.3145 J/mol K

• k = Boltzmann Constant 1.38066 x 10^-23 J/K = 8.617385 x 10-5 eV/K

• k = R/NA

• NA = Avagadro’s Number = 6.0221 x 10²³/mol

The whole characteristics of an ideal gas are solely dependent on the Kinetic Theory of gases. Concerning that, the molecules of the gas collide with the wall of the container. This is by Newton’s Laws. However, one more element plays an important role in the determination of the kinetic energy of the gases. It is the temperature. Kinetic temperature is proportional to the average kinetic energy. Kinetic temperature is hence ruled out to be 22.4 Litres at STP for one mole of an ideal gas.

What are the types of Ideal Gases?

Three types of ideal gases exist in the world. They are:

• The classical ideal gas or the Maxwell-Boltzmann ideal gas

• The ideal quantum gas or the Bose gas

• The ideal quantum Fermi gas

The Classical Ideal Gas

The classical ideal gas is further divided into two parts:

• The classical thermodynamic ideal gas

• The ideal quantum Boltzmann gas

They are the same. However, one difference prevails between the two. The classical thermodynamic ideal gas follows the age-old or traditional statistical mechanics. Due to this, it has to obey certain norms based on entropy. It is also done within a limit.

The ideal quantum Boltzmann gas does not have traditional limitations and overcomes this well. It takes the upper limit of quantum Bose gas and quantum Fermi gas. The whole behaviour of the Boltzmann gas is the same, except that it has these as its constants.

The ideal quantum gas

It consists of Bosons. This is why it is known as the Bose gas.

The ideal quantum Fermi gas

This gas consists of Fermions. That’s why it is known as Fermi Gas.

Conclusion

In this article, we talked about the definition of an ideal gas and how it obeys the ideal gas law. Such an ideal gas is defined as a gas that has no intermolecular attractive forces between them. The atoms and molecules present in the gas are also elastic and can freely move about from one place to another. Later, we defined the ideal gas law. The ideal gas law is defined as the change in the overall energy dependent on the change of kinetic energy. Any such change in the internal energy is also followed by a change in the temperature of the gas. It is dependent on many factors. They are absolute temperature, absolute pressure, and volume. They are represented by their respective alphabets. The deduction of the equation of the ideal gas law follows the conventions of Kinetic Energy. The properties of an ideal gas are also dependent on the Kinetic Theory. Concerning that, the molecules of the gas collide with the wall of the container. We also talked about the different types of an ideal gas. They are Boltzmann gas, Bose gas, and Fermi gas.