A Question about the General Gas Law (PV/T)=nR

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SUMMARY

The General Gas Law, expressed as PV/T = nR, defines the relationship between pressure (P), volume (V), absolute temperature (T), the number of moles (n), and the universal gas constant (R). The discussion clarifies the derivation of the law, particularly how density is incorporated by substituting V with mass divided by density. It emphasizes that while the law holds under constant mass conditions, the mass variable is still relevant through the number of moles (n = m/M). The confusion arises when considering changes in mass, which does not invalidate the law but requires understanding the relationship between mass and moles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Ideal Gas Law and its components (P, V, T, n, R)
  • Basic knowledge of density and its formula (Density = Mass/Volume)
  • Familiarity with the concept of moles in chemistry
  • Knowledge of the Kelvin temperature scale
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Ideal Gas Law and its applications in real-world scenarios
  • Explore the concept of molar mass and its significance in gas calculations
  • Investigate the implications of changing mass on gas behavior and the application of the General Gas Law
  • Learn about the relationship between pressure, volume, and temperature in different states of matter
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Chemistry students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding gas laws and their applications in physical sciences.

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A Question about the "General Gas Law" (PV/T)=nR

Homework Statement



The general gas law states that : PV/T = nR
where P is the pressure of the gas , V is the volume of the gas and T is the absolute temperature in Kelvin scale , n is the number of moles and R is the universal gas constant
My question is not really a problem but I can't understand something in the proof .

since PV/T = nR
therefore (P1V1/T1) = (P2V2/T2) We can say V1 = Density/Mass
therefore (P1M/Density1T1) = (P2M/Density2T2) At Constant Mass
therefore (P1/Density1T1) = (P2/Density2T2)

then this rule is taken to say :

Density = Mass/Volume
-At Constant Mass we say : (P1V1/T1) = (P2V2/T2) we exchanged density by Mass/volume and canceled the mass as it is constant .

-At Constant Volume we say : (P1/M1T1) = (P2/M2T2) we exchanged density by Mass/Volume and canceled the volume as it is constant .
My question is here , when the mass is changed , how can we use this rule although we said at the beginning of it "At Constant Mass" and where did the Mass that was in the very first rule go ??

I hope I've made myself clear .
Thanks
 
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Mass is still an entity in the ideal gas law. The variable n is the number of moles, and it equates to m/M, where m is the mass and M the molar mass.
 

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