Exploring Gases: Examining PV=nRT

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of gases having no fixed volume and how this relates to the equation PV=nRT. It is explained that the equation is important because if one variable changes (such as volume), then another variable must also change (usually pressure).
  • #1
babita
61
0

Homework Statement


I was studying about gases..and a thought struck me: we are taught that gases have no fixed volume. They occupy whole of volume of container in which they're placed.
so what are we trying to calculate by the equation PV=nRT . I mean at a particular P T and n,
place the gas in containers having different volumes.



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
hi babita! :smile:
babita said:
… what are we trying to calculate by the equation PV=nRT . I mean at a particular P T and n, place the gas in containers having different volumes.

you can't … if V is different, then one of the others must be different also (usually the pressure)

that's why the equation is important! :biggrin:
 

1. What is PV=nRT and why is it important in the study of gases?

PV=nRT is known as the ideal gas law and it describes the relationship between the pressure (P), volume (V), number of moles (n), gas constant (R), and temperature (T) of an ideal gas. It is important because it helps us understand how these properties are related and how they change with each other under different conditions.

2. What is an ideal gas and how is it different from a real gas?

An ideal gas is a theoretical gas that follows the ideal gas law perfectly. It is assumed to have no volume or intermolecular forces and the particles are in constant motion. Real gases, on the other hand, deviate from the ideal gas behavior due to their volume and intermolecular forces, especially at higher pressures and lower temperatures.

3. How do changes in pressure, volume, and temperature affect gases according to the ideal gas law?

According to the ideal gas law, if the temperature and the number of moles of a gas remain constant, an increase in pressure will result in a decrease in volume and vice versa. Similarly, if the pressure and the number of moles are constant, an increase in temperature will result in an increase in volume and vice versa.

4. How is the ideal gas law used in practical applications?

The ideal gas law is used in various practical applications, such as in the production and storage of gases, gas laws experiments, and in the design of gas-powered engines. It is also used in industries such as chemical engineering, meteorology, and gas production and distribution.

5. What are some limitations of the ideal gas law?

The ideal gas law assumes that the gas particles have no volume and do not interact with each other, which is not true for real gases. It also does not account for phase changes or chemical reactions that may occur within the gas. Additionally, at high pressures and low temperatures, real gases deviate significantly from ideal gas behavior, making the ideal gas law less accurate in those conditions.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
619
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
726
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
501
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
Back
Top