Partial Pressure from decomposition

In summary, an atmospheric chemist is studying the decomposition of gaseous dinitrogen pentaoxide to nitrogen dioxide and oxygen in a gas-reaction container. The container is initially filled with N2O5 to a pressure of 130 kPa and as the gas decomposes, the total pressure increases to 166 kPa. Using Dalton's law of Partial Pressure and the chemical equation for the reaction, the partial pressure of nitrogen dioxide, PNO2, can be calculated by assuming constant volume and temperature. The increase in total pressure is caused by the decrease in the number of moles of N2O5 as it decomposes into N2O2 and O2.
  • #1
brandon1
34
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Homework Statement



An atmospheric chemist fills a gas-reaction container with gaseous dinitrogen pentaoxide to a pressure of 130. kPa, and the gas decomposes to nitrogen dioxide and oxygen. What is the partial pressure of nitrogen dioxide, PNO2, (in kPa) when the total pressure is 166 kPa?

Homework Equations



2(N2O5) --> 2(N2O2) + 3(O2)

rate=k[N2O5]

Dalton's law of Partial Pressure

The Attempt at a Solution



P1=130Kpa
P2=166Kpa
PNO2=?

Not sure where to start. There is no mention of this in this chapter. I can't use regular gas laws because I am not given any volumes or temperatures.
 
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  • #2
Think of an equation that relates partial pressure, mole fraction and total pressure.
 
  • #3
brandon1 said:
Not sure where to start. There is no mention of this in this chapter.
Looks like "this chapter" is about chemical equilibria.

Assume volume and temperature are constant - call them V, T. Then how is the total pressure related to the total number of moles of gas in the vessel?

What exactly happens to the N2O5 that's put into the vessel? What does this do to the total number of moles?
 

1. What is partial pressure from decomposition?

Partial pressure from decomposition is the pressure exerted by a specific gas that is produced during a chemical reaction or decomposition process.

2. How is partial pressure from decomposition calculated?

Partial pressure from decomposition can be calculated using the ideal gas law, which states that the partial pressure of a gas is equal to the total pressure of the system multiplied by the mole fraction of the gas.

3. What factors can affect the partial pressure from decomposition?

The amount and type of reactants, temperature, and pressure can all affect the partial pressure from decomposition. The rate of the reaction and the equilibrium constant also play a role in determining the partial pressure.

4. What are the applications of partial pressure from decomposition?

Partial pressure from decomposition is important in many industrial processes, such as in the production of chemicals or fuels. It is also used in environmental research to study the decomposition of pollutants.

5. How does partial pressure from decomposition relate to atmospheric pressure?

The partial pressure from decomposition contributes to the total atmospheric pressure in a closed system. In open systems, the partial pressure from decomposition may escape and contribute to the overall composition of the Earth's atmosphere.

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