Chemical Potential & Fugacity

Van der Waals gas: phase coexistence, Maxwell construction & fugacity

VdW Gas Parameters

Tc (critical T)2.67
Pc (critical P)1.00
Vc (critical V)1.00
Coexist P
Fugacity f
VdW: (P + a/V²)(V − b) = RT. Critical point: Tc = 8a/27Rb, Pc = a/27b², Vc = 3b. Below Tc: S-curve unphysical — Maxwell equal-area construction finds coexistence. Fugacity: f = P·exp(∫(1/RT)(V−RT/P)dP) measures effective pressure. At coexistence, μ_liquid = μ_vapor (equal fugacity).