- #1
bomba923
- 759
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Is the Ideal Gas Constant a universal constant?
*If not, then what is it relative to?
*If not, then what is it relative to?
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Ideal Gas Constant: Universal Constant or Relative?
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the nature of the Ideal Gas Constant (R) and whether it should be classified as a universal constant or if it is relative to other factors. Participants explore the implications of this classification in the context of physics and chemistry.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants assert that the Ideal Gas Constant is a universal constant, while others challenge this notion, suggesting it may not hold true in all contexts.
- One participant references the Van der Waals equation, indicating that constants a and b are not universal and must be determined experimentally.
- Another participant compares R to the speed of light, arguing that R does not exhibit the same universality.
- There is mention of Boltzmann's constant and Avogadro's number being universal, leading to the claim that R is also universal based on its relationship to these constants.
- Some express uncertainty about the concept of universal constants and question the appropriateness of labeling R as such.
- A light-hearted inquiry is posed about whether we will ever understand why universal constants remain constant.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the Ideal Gas Constant is a universal constant. Multiple competing views remain, with some asserting its universality and others questioning it.
Contextual Notes
Participants express varying levels of familiarity with the concept of universal constants, indicating that some may not fully understand the implications of classifying R as universal.
- #2
gravenewworld
- 1,129
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I'm not sure what you mean by the Real Gas constant.
The ideal Gas constant R is universal
If you are referring to the vander waal equation that describes real gases and the constants a and b, then no, both a and b are not universal constants. You have to determine a and b experimentally and measure critical temperatures and critical pressures with respect to the compound in question.
The ideal Gas constant R is universal
If you are referring to the vander waal equation that describes real gases and the constants a and b, then no, both a and b are not universal constants. You have to determine a and b experimentally and measure critical temperatures and critical pressures with respect to the compound in question.
- #3
GCT
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universal constant, e.g. the speed of light c, where it supposedly holds true at all inertial frames of reference...everywhere.
I don't believe that R is a universal constant.
I don't believe that R is a universal constant.
- #4
gravenewworld
- 1,129
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Why isn't R is a universal constant for an ideal gas? When does it ever change?
- #5
bomba923
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Oh yes---that's right!
*It is also called, "The Universal Gas Constant"
(sorry--i guess that kind of answers the question)
as described on http://www.answers.com/topic/molar-gas-constant
_
*GTC, any contentions?
*It is also called, "The Universal Gas Constant"
(sorry--i guess that kind of answers the question)
as described on http://www.answers.com/topic/molar-gas-constant
_
*GTC, any contentions?
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- #6
GCT
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no I guess not, but before you go on to call it universal (as the speed of light is "universal) you might want to bring it up in one of the physics subforums
- #7
bomba923
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GCT said:
!Why--exactly? How what does bringing up it a different forum have to do with the Ideal Gas Constant being universal/"calling it universal"??
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But I agree, physics and engineering do often use the Ideal Gas Constant, and it easily could have been a question in one of the physics subforums
. I posted this in chemistry because I worked with the Ideal Gas Constant most frequently in my chemistry courses.- #8
dextercioby
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GCT said:
To your knowledge
[tex]R=k_{B} N_{A}[/tex]
Boltzmann's constant is universal, Avogadro's number is universal, ergo the ideal gases' constant is universal.
Daniel.
- #9
GCT
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Well there you go.
I have to say I'm a bit unfamiliar with so called "universal constants" I've just taken my second semester of physics. I just thought there would be more to the universal constant concept and I didn't think it to be appropriate to accept it simply as some vague notion.
I have to say I'm a bit unfamiliar with so called "universal constants" I've just taken my second semester of physics. I just thought there would be more to the universal constant concept and I didn't think it to be appropriate to accept it simply as some vague notion.
- #10
dwilkerson
- 16
- 0
I pose another question: Will we ever know why all of the "universal" constants are constant? Haha, just kidding around!