What is the Total Pressure in a Cylinder Containing Nitrogen and Oxygen?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the total pressure in a cylinder containing mixtures of nitrogen and oxygen gases under constant temperature conditions. Participants explore two specific scenarios involving gas pressures and volumes, applying the ideal gas law and related formulas.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents two questions involving gas mixtures and seeks clarification on the total pressure calculations.
  • Another participant reiterates the questions and expresses confusion over the correct answers provided.
  • A participant attempts to clarify the second question by breaking down the calculations using the ideal gas law, showing how to derive the final pressure from the initial conditions.
  • Formulas mentioned include the ideal gas law (pV = nRT) and a method for calculating partial pressures based on mole fractions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct answers to the questions posed. There is confusion and differing interpretations of the calculations, indicating that multiple views and uncertainties remain in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific pressures and volumes but do not clarify all assumptions or the context of the ideal gas law application. There is also a lack of consensus on the correct final pressures in both scenarios.

ravadongon
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Question 1: 5L of nitrogen at 100kPa and 298K and 5L of oxygen at 200kPa are pumped into a evacuated 50L cylinder. Temperature remains constant, what is the total pressure in the cylinder?

Correct Answer: 30kPa
My answer: 300 kPa

Question 2: A 10L flask containing nitrogen at 500mmHg is connected via a closed tap to a 4L flask containing oxygen at 800mmHg pressure, if the tap is opened what will be the final pressure assuming temperature remains constant?

Answer: 586mmHg
My answer: 1300mmHg

Formulas I used:

pV = nRT (to find mols)
PA = (nA/nA+nB) x PT

How did they get these answers...cos I can't seem to get them..?? Any help would be appreciated...
 
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ravadongon said:
Question 1: 5L of nitrogen at 100kPa and 298K and 5L of oxygen at 200kPa are pumped into a evacuated 50L cylinder. Temperature remains constant, what is the total pressure in the cylinder?

Correct Answer: 30kPa
My answer: 300 kPa

Question 2: A 10L flask containing nitrogen at 500mmHg is connected via a closed tap to a 4L flask containing oxygen at 800mmHg pressure, if the tap is opened what will be the final pressure assuming temperature remains constant?

Answer: 586mmHg
My answer: 1300mmHg

Formulas I used:

pV = nRT (to find mols)
PA = (nA/nA+nB) x PT

How did they get these answers...cos I can't seem to get them..?? Any help would be appreciated...

What are the volumes given in the questions?
 
Bystander said:
What are the volumes given in the questions?

what do u mean? I gave the volumes... :confused:
 
ravadongon said:
Question 1: 5L of nitrogen at 100kPa and 298K and 5L of oxygen at 200kPa are pumped into a evacuated 50L cylinder. Temperature remains constant, what is the total pressure in the cylinder?

Correct Answer: 30kPa
My answer: 300 kPa

Question 2: A 10L flask containing nitrogen at 500mmHg is connected via a closed tap to a 4L flask containing oxygen at 800mmHg pressure, if the tap is opened what will be the final pressure assuming temperature remains constant?

Answer: 586mmHg
My answer: 1300mmHg

Formulas I used:

pV = nRT (to find mols)
PA = (nA/nA+nB) x PT

How did they get these answers...cos I can't seem to get them..?? Any help would be appreciated...

So what is it exactly that you are having a hard time with? Let's go through #2:

[tex]n_A = \frac{P_AV_A}{RT} = \frac{(500 mm Hg)(10 L)}{RT}[/tex]

and for the other flask:

[tex]n_B = \frac{P_BV_B}{RT} = \frac{(800 mm Hg)(4 L)}{RT}[/tex]

so when the valve is opened, the total # of molecules of gas in the system will be:

[tex]n = n_A + n_B[/tex]

so let's use the ideal gas law for the whole system:

[tex]P_{A+B} = \frac{(n_A + n_B)(RT)}{V_{A+B}} = \frac{(500 mm Hg)(10 L) + (800 mm Hg)(4 L)}{RT} \frac{(RT)}{V_{A+B}}{[/tex]

notice that RT drops out completely, and we are left with:

[tex]P_{A+B} = \frac{(500 mm Hg)(10 L) + (800 mm HG)(4 L)}{14 L} = 586 mm Hg[/tex]

go forth and do likewise..
 
Last edited:

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