Free Van der Waals Calculator

Calculate the pressure of a real gas using the Van der Waals equation, which corrects for intermolecular attractions and molecular volume.

mol
K
L
L²·atm/mol²
L/mol

Pressure (Van der Waals)

24.0666 atm

Pressure (Ideal Gas)24.6180 atm

Pressure (Van der Waals) vs Moles of Gas (n)

Van der Waals Equation

Formula

[P + a(n/V)²] × [V - nb] = nRT

Solving for P: P = nRT/(V - nb) − a(n/V)²

Where:

  • a = correction for intermolecular attraction (L²·atm/mol²)
  • b = correction for molecular volume (L/mol)
  • Other variables as in the ideal gas law
  • The a term reduces pressure (attraction pulls molecules inward). The b term reduces available volume.

    Example Calculation

    1 mol of N₂ (a = 1.36, b = 0.0318) at 300 K in 1 L.

    1. 01P = nRT/(V - nb) - a(n/V)²
    2. 02P = (1)(0.08206)(300)/(1 - 1×0.0318) - 1.36(1/1)²
    3. 03P = 24.618/0.9682 - 1.36
    4. 04P = 25.42 - 1.36
    5. 05P = 24.06 atm

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