The ideal gas equation \( PV = nRT \) is an approximation. It assumes gas molecules have no interactions and their volume is insignificant relative to the container's volume. This equation is most accurate at high temperatures and low pressures. Under these conditions, molecules are widely separated, making intermolecular forces (attraction or repulsion) negligible. At low temperatures and high pressures, real gases deviate from ideal behavior due to intermolecular forces and the finite volume of gas molecules.