Under the same conditions of temperature and pressure, which of these gases would behave most ideally: \(\mathrm{Ne}, \mathrm{N}_{2},\) or \(\mathrm{CH}_{4} ?\) Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Under the same conditions of temperature and pressure, Neon (Ne) would behave most ideally because it is the smallest and most nonpolar of the three gases.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the gas concept

In order to answer the question, it's important to first understand the concepts related to gases. An ideal gas is a hypothetical gas that perfectly fits all the assumptions of the kinetic-molecular theory. An ideal gas will exhibit more ideal behavior under lower pressure and higher temperature conditions. In reality, no gas is completely 'ideal', but they are close under normal conditions.
02

Evaluate Ne

Neon (Ne) is a noble gas that lacks polarity because it is a single atom with a balanced electron cloud. It is small and nonpolar, making it a likely candidate for ideal behavior. Noble gases are particularly nonreactive due to their full valence electron shells.
03

Evaluate N2

Nitrogen (N2) is a diatomic molecule so it's larger than Ne, but it lacks polarity because the bond between the two nitrogen atoms is nonpolar. Nitrogen's nonpolarity means it exhibits weak attractive forces, but its relatively larger size could cause deviation from ideal behavior.
04

Evaluate CH4

In Methane (CH4), carbon is bonded to four hydrogen atoms. The molecule is larger and more complex than the other two gases. Further, although methane is nonpolar, the hydrogen atoms can produce a minor polarization effect, meaning it has slightly higher attractive forces.
05

Compare and Conclude

Upon comparison, Neon (Ne) is the smallest and most nonpolar of the three gases. It will have the weakest deviations from ideal behavior. Nitrogen (N2) and Methane (CH4) are larger, and methane has slight polarizability. These factors could cause deviations from ideal behavior. Therefore, Neon would behave most ideally under the given conditions.

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