The Second Virial Coefficient for Gases: a Critical Comparison between Theoretical and Experimental Results

On the basis of a recent theory developed by London the second virial coefficient of the following gases is computed: He, Ne, A, ${\mathrm{H}}_2$, ${\mathrm{N}}_2$, ${\mathrm{O}}_2$, C${\mathrm{O}}_2$, N${\mathrm{H}}_3$, ${\mathrm{H}}_2$O. For the latter two, which have a dipole moment, the contribution of the dipole interaction is also calculated. The results are compared graphically with experimental values. Except in the case of He and ${\mathrm{H}}_2$, where the disagreement can be accounted for by the presence of zero point energy, the accordance is as good as is compatible with the inaccuracies involved in the calculation.