Why Does My Ideal Gas Law Calculation Differ from the Textbook?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the ideal gas law to calculate the pressure of carbon dioxide gas under specific conditions. The original poster presents a problem involving 1.00 mol of gas at 350 K confined to a volume of 400 cubic centimeters, seeking to understand discrepancies between their calculated pressure and the textbook's answer.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the ideal gas equation but questions their understanding due to a consistent discrepancy with the textbook answer. Participants point out a potential error in the volume conversion from cubic centimeters to cubic meters.

Discussion Status

Participants have provided guidance regarding the volume conversion, suggesting that the original poster's value for volume was incorrect. The discussion appears to have led to a clarification of the conversion process, with the original poster expressing gratitude for the assistance received.

Contextual Notes

The original poster's calculation was based on an incorrect volume conversion, which may have contributed to the confusion regarding the expected answer from the textbook.

sghaussi
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hello all. I'm trying to figure out this problem and it's bugging me because it's soooo simple yet i keep getting the wrong answer. here's the problem:

If 1.00 mol of carbon dioxide gas at 350 K is confined to a volume of 400 cubic centimeters, find the pressure of the gas using the ideal-gas equation.

Okay.. I know that the ideal gas equation will look like this if I am solving for pressure:

p = (nRT)/V

since I want pressure in pascals, then I will convert volume V to cubic meters, and for R constant I will use R = 8.3145 J/mol K

so far this is the information I have:

R = 8.3145 J/mol K
T = 350 K
n = 1.00 mol
V = 4 cubic meters

When I try and solve for pressure, I get 727.5 pascals. I did this 5 times, and I keet getting the same answer. however the book is telling me I'm wrong. Am I not understanding this correct? could this be one of those times the book is wrong? I hope someone can help!
 
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Your conversion into cubic metres is incorrect, remember it is cubic:

Therefore;

0.0004m^3

Use that value for volume and you should calculate the correct answer, which is 7275187Pa or 7.3MPa.
 
Last edited:
V = 400 cm^3 = 400 * (10^-2 m)^3 = 400 * 10^-6 m^3 = 0.0004 m^3
I think this is correct value of the volume and if you put it into ideal gas equation you'll get the right answer (i think).
 
thanks to the both of you for your help. i was able to figure it out.. silly mistake. =) night!
 

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