Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 April 2016
The numerous complexities underlying large tables of thermodynamic quantities act as a deterrent to a careful evaluation of their reliability. As a consequence, equations of state are often used as black boxes. To clarify this situation, some of the more critical issues of equation of state physics are discussed from the point of view of the user. They are illustrated by a comparison of four equations of state for hydrogen. The flaws and disagreements thus brought into light are explained and evaluated with simple physical arguments.