Question

Rank these real gases according how they resemble an ideal gas: CO, Ne, N2, He, and NH3

Answer 1

An ideal gas is one whose interactions with its surroundings, the collisions between the molecules and the walls of the container, are perfectly elastic. An ideal gas has weak IMFs, so it doesn't "feel" the presence of the other atoms or molecules in the container, is lightweight, non-polar, non-polarizable, and generally acts like a tiny marble. Your most ideal gas is helium, and your worst is carbon monoxide.