Compressibility Factor Definition — the NEET Physics formula with its derivation, variables, validity constraints and worked solver.
Compressibility Factor Definition Used to quantify the deviation of a real gas from ideal behavior, particularly at high pressures or low temperatures. Start with the Ideal Gas Law: PV = nRT . Define the compressibility factor Z as the ratio of the actual pressure-volume product ( pV ) to the ideal pressure-volume product ( nRT ). Rearrange the ratio to express Z in terms of the measured variables. The value of Z deviates from 1 as the gas deviates from ideal behavior. T > 0 n > 0 p > 0 Confusing Z with the ratio of actual volume to ideal volume. Assuming Z=1 always holds (it only holds for ideal gases). Forgetting that Z is a dimensionless quantity.