Chemical Potential & Fugacity

Ideal and van der Waals gas: μ(P,T) and fugacity coefficient γ = f/P

Chemical potential: μ = μ⁰ + RT ln(P/P⁰) for an ideal gas (linear in ln P). For a real gas, μ = μ⁰ + RT ln(f/P⁰) where f is the fugacity. The fugacity coefficient γ = f/P measures deviation from ideality. For a van der Waals gas: ln γ = b/(v−b) − 2a/(vRT) − ln[P(v−b)/(RT)]. Near the critical point (T_c = 8a/27Rb, P_c = a/27b²), γ deviates strongly from 1. The Maxwell construction (equal area rule) determines the vapor pressure at coexistence.