Can the virial equation of state in principle describe real gases exactly? Why or why not? No, because the coefficients are functions of temperature. Yes, because one can in principle use infinitely many coefficients. No, because we cannot simulate the critical point. Yes, because we can in principle determine B, B’, C and C’ with infinite accuracy.
Can the virial equation of state in principle describe real gases exactly? Why or why not? No, because the coefficients are functions of temperature. That’s “only” a practical problem. Yes, because one can in principle use infinitely many coefficients. No, because we cannot simulate the critical point. Baloney. Yes, because we can in principle determine B, B’, C and C’ with infinite accuracy. Two coefficients are not enough to describe a real gas exactly. It will only be another approximation (although much better than the ideal gas law!)