Calculate each of the following quantities for an ideal gas: (a) the volume of the gas, in liters, if 1.50 mol has a pressure of 1.25 atm at a temperature of -6 °C; (b) the absolute temperature of the gas at which 3.33 * 10-3 mol occupies 478 mL at 750 torr; (c) the pressure, in atmospheres, if 0.00245 mol occupies 413 mL at 138 °C; (d) the quantity of gas, in moles, if 126.5 L at 54 °C has a pressure of 11.25 kPa.
Answer
Ideal Gas Law Problem Solving Using PV = nRT
The Ideal Gas Law is a fundamental equation in chemistry used to relate the pressure, volume, temperature, and amount of a gas. It is expressed as:
Where:
- P = pressure (atm)
- V = volume (liters)
- n = number of moles (mol)
- R = ideal gas constant = 0.0821 L·atm/mol·K
- T = temperature (Kelvin)
🔹 Part A: Calculate Volume
Given:
- n = 1.50 mol
- P = 1.25 atm
- T = -6°C = 267 K
Step-by-step:
Use the formula:
V = (nRT) / P
🔹 Part B: Calculate Temperature
Given:
- n = 3.33 × 10⁻³ mol
- V = 478 mL = 0.478 L
- P = 750 torr = 0.987 atm
Step-by-step:
Use the formula:
T = (PV) / (nR)
🔹 Part C: Calculate Pressure
Given:
- n = 0.00245 mol
- V = 413 mL = 0.413 L
- T = 138°C = 411 K
Step-by-step:
Use the formula:
P = (nRT) / V
🔹 Part D: Calculate Number of Moles
Given:
- V = 126.5 L
- T = 54°C = 327 K
- P = 11.25 kPa = 0.111 atm
Step-by-step:
Use the formula:
n = (PV) / (RT)
📚 Final Notes & Tips
- Always convert temperature to Kelvin: K = °C + 273
- Convert mL to L by dividing by 1000
- Convert torr to atm using: 1 atm = 760 torr
- Convert kPa to atm using: 1 atm = 101.325 kPa
- Use the ideal gas constant R = 0.0821 L·atm/mol·K
🔍 Why This Matters
The Ideal Gas Law gives us a mathematical model for understanding the relationships between pressure, volume, temperature, and the amount of gas. It’s essential in chemical engineering, thermodynamics, environmental science, and even meteorology.
Whether you’re calculating how much air a balloon can hold, analyzing gases in a lab, or solving standardized test problems, mastering PV = nRT will open many doors in physical science.
