A study of fluid alkali metals in the critical region

On the basis of the generalised van der Waals equation of state, Riedel's thermodynamic similarity parameter, a measure of the temperature dependence of vapour pressure in the critical region is determined for caesium, rubidium and potassium. This generalised equation differs from the known van der Waals equation of state by the modified expression for molecular pressure. The results of determination of Riedel's thermodynamic similarity parameter of caesium, rubidium and potassium are in good agreement with experimental data. Moreover, the given generalised van der Waals equation of state yields a better fit with experimental data on Riedel's thermodynamic similarity parameter for fluid alkali metals when compared with other correlations such as Van Ness and Abbott equation, Pitzer expansion, Pitzer acentric factor correlation, modified Rackett technique, Lee-Kesler vapour pressure relation and Clausius-Clayperon equation.