Partial Pressure Q: Solving for CO2 in Closed Container

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of partial pressure, specifically in the context of calculating the partial pressure of CO2 produced from the combustion of glucose in a closed container. Participants explore the definitions and calculations related to partial pressure and mole fraction, as well as the implications of these concepts in a chemical reaction scenario.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions their understanding of partial pressure and seeks guidance on how to calculate it in a specific scenario involving glucose combustion.
  • Another participant explains that partial pressure can be calculated using the equation P*V=n*R*T and suggests determining the number of moles of glucose to find the pressure.
  • A later reply challenges the initial explanation by stating that the definition provided conflates partial pressure with mole fraction, emphasizing that partial pressure refers to the pressure exerted by a single gas in the absence of others.
  • One participant acknowledges the correction and reiterates the hypothetical nature of calculating partial pressure.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the definitions and calculations related to partial pressure, as participants express differing views on how to approach the concept and its relationship to mole fraction.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the distinctions between partial pressure and mole fraction, and there are assumptions regarding the ideal gas behavior and the specific conditions of the reaction that remain unaddressed.

Cyto
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I have this question about partial pressure, and I'm not entirely sure what it is, and how to solve for it...

Q. Solid glucose, C6H12O6 (s) is burned in excess oxygen in a closed container. After the reactiopn, the total gas volume is 10.0L at a temperature of 298K. Wha is the PARTIAL PRESSURE, in atmospheres, of the CO2 (g) produced by the complete combustion of 2.6 grams of glucose?
 
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Hello,

Partial pressure, as I remember, is calculated as the ratio of one particular gas' pressure to the total. The pressure is directly proportional to the amount, so you can solve this problem by the well-known equation [tex]P*V=n*R*T[/tex], where you may further simplify this equation by calculating [tex]\frac{R*T}{V}[/tex] as these are constants. You can find how many moles are there in 2,6 grams of glucose as C:12, H:1, and O:16 grams/mol.

Regards,
chem_tr
 
chem_tr said:
(snip)Partial pressure, as I remember, is calculated as the ratio of one particular gas' pressure to the total. (snip)

Gotta correct this --- you've stated one of several ways to calculate "mole fraction."

Without getting into dictionary circles (partial pressure, mole fraction times total pressure, etc.), "partial pressure" is the pressure exerted by whatever species happens to be of interest in the absence (hypothetical) of all other gas species in the system.
 
Yes, you are right. We answer the hypothetical question, "what would happen if there were only one type of gas in the same volume?" by using partial pressures. Thank you, bystander, for correcting me.
 

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