Ideal gas law constant R conversion

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the conversion of the ideal gas law constant R from one set of units to another, specifically from SI units to imperial units. Participants explore the implications of unit conversions and the factors involved in the calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the conversion of R from 8.31 (Pa * cu. meters) / (mol * Kelvin) to 10.73 (psia * cu. ft) / (lb. * mol * Rankine), specifically regarding the origin of the extra pounds in the denominator.
  • Another participant notes the distinction between "gram-Mole" and "lb-Mole," suggesting that conversions between these units are necessary for accurate calculations.
  • A later reply indicates that using the conversion factor of 1 gram = 0.0022 lb resolves the confusion regarding the conversion.
  • One participant provides alternative values for R in different units, including 0.082 (atm * l) / (mol * K) and 8.314 (J / (mol * K)), without directly addressing the original conversion question.
  • A suggestion is made to use a specific software tool for automatic unit conversions, which includes examples related to the ideal gas law.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the conversion process, particularly regarding the units of moles and the factors involved. The discussion remains unresolved as participants explore various aspects of the conversion without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

Some participants may have missing assumptions regarding unit conversions, and the dependence on specific conversion factors is highlighted. The discussion does not resolve the mathematical steps involved in the conversion process.

sitinduk
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Hi, not sure if this is the right forum to ask this in, but I was trying to convert the ideal gas law constant R (from PV = nRT) from:

8.31 (Pa * cu. meters) / (mol * Kelvin) to the equivalent:

10.73 (psia * cu. ft) / (lb. * mol * Rankine)

Here's the conversion factors I've been using:
1 Pa = 1.4505E-7 psia (absolute pressure)
1 cu. meter = 35.315 cu. ft
1 Rankine = 1.8 Kelvin

What I don't understand is where does the extra pounds in the denominator of the 10.73 value come from? This is probably what's throwing off my calculations.

-Thanks
 
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gm-Mole vs. lb-Mole

In the first equation "mole" means "gram-Mole"; in the second the unit is "lb-Mole". You need to convert between gm-Moles and lb-Moles.
 
Ahh, using 1 gram = 0.0022 lb I finally got it. Thanks a lot, this has really been bugging me :smile:
 
I always use this
[tex]R = 0.082 \frac{atm \cdot l}{mol \cdot K} = 2 \frac{cal}{mol \cdot K} = 8.314 \frac{J}{mol \cdot K}[/tex]
 
sitinduk said:
Hi, not sure if this is the right forum to ask this in, but I was trying to convert the ideal gas law constant R (from PV = nRT) from:

8.31 (Pa * cu. meters) / (mol * Kelvin) to the equivalent:

10.73 (psia * cu. ft) / (lb. * mol * Rankine)

Here's the conversion factors I've been using:
1 Pa = 1.4505E-7 psia (absolute pressure)
1 cu. meter = 35.315 cu. ft
1 Rankine = 1.8 Kelvin

What I don't understand is where does the extra pounds in the denominator of the 10.73 value come from? This is probably what's throwing off my calculations.

-Thanks

Take a look at:
http://www.adacs.com/menu/PDAcalc_units.php This program runs on a palm, PocketPC,windows and will do all the conversions AUTOMATICALLY for you. Download the user manual which has an example of the PV = nRT formula that shows how it automatically convert between the different units.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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