Understanding the Gas Constant: A Key Concept in Thermodynamics

In summary, The Gas constant, R, is a universal molar gas constant that is used to adjust for the arbitrary units used in the universe when calculating temperature based on pressure and volume. It is experimentally determined and has the same value for all gases when considering 1 mole.
  • #1
Su Solberg
75
0
I wonder what's the meaning of Gas constant, R.
I have read it in Wikipedia, but i still cannot understand.
Could you please tell me some concept about R's definition?

Thank you very much for your information.
 
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  • #2
There's no great meaning behind it. We have an arbitrary set of units as far as the universe is concerned, so when we try to do things like calculate temperature based on pressure and volume, we need to take this into account by scaling by a certain amount.
 
  • #3
Experiment shows that for a gas at low pressure PV is proportional to T ,therefore PV= a constant times T.If 1Kg of gas is considered then the constant has different values for different gases but if 1 mole is considered then the constant,R,has the same value for all gases(hence the name...universal molar gas constant)
 
  • #4
Dadface said:
Experiment shows that for a gas at low pressure PV is proportional to T ,therefore PV= a constant times T.If 1Kg of gas is considered then the constant has different values for different gases but if 1 mole is considered then the constant,R,has the same value for all gases(hence the name...universal molar gas constant)

I think you answered my question.
Can I read it as R is an experimental coefficient about the gas/vapour/other stuff which relates to the interaction of PV with T from Molar Mass point of view>?
 

1. What is the gas constant?

The gas constant, also known as the universal gas constant or the ideal gas constant, is a physical constant that relates the energy of a gas to its temperature and pressure. It is represented by the symbol R and has a value of 8.314 joules per mole-kelvin (J/mol·K).

2. Why is the gas constant important?

The gas constant is important because it allows scientists to accurately calculate and predict the behavior of gases under different conditions. It is used in various equations, such as the ideal gas law, to relate the properties of a gas to its temperature, pressure, and volume.

3. How is the gas constant determined?

The gas constant is determined through experimental measurements and calculations. It can be derived from the ideal gas law, which describes the relationship between the pressure, volume, and temperature of an ideal gas. It can also be calculated from the Boltzmann constant and Avogadro's number.

4. Is the gas constant the same for all gases?

No, the gas constant is specific to each gas and can vary depending on the units used. However, for most common gases, the value of the gas constant is similar and can be approximated by the universal gas constant, 8.314 joules per mole-kelvin (J/mol·K).

5. What are the units of the gas constant?

The units of the gas constant depend on the units used for pressure, volume, and temperature. In SI units, the gas constant has units of joules per mole-kelvin (J/mol·K). In other systems, such as the cgs system, the units may be different, such as ergs per mole-degree (erg/mol·K).

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