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

In summary: Therefore, at constant mass, the equation (P1/M1T1) = (P2/M2T2) still holds true.In summary, the general gas law states that PV/T = nR, where P is the pressure, V is the volume, T is the absolute temperature, n is the number of moles, and R is the universal gas constant. This law can be used to solve for various variables, such as mass and density, at constant mass or volume. The variable n represents the number of moles, which is equivalent to the mass divided by the molar mass. Therefore, even when mass is changed, the equation (P1/M1T1) = (P2/M2T2
  • #1
Alwahsh
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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.
 

1. What is the General Gas Law?

The General Gas Law, also known as the Ideal Gas Law, is a mathematical equation that describes the relationship between the pressure (P), volume (V), temperature (T), and amount (n) of a gas. It states that the product of pressure and volume is directly proportional to the product of temperature and amount, and is equal to a constant value (R).

2. How is the General Gas Law derived?

The General Gas Law is derived from combining the three gas laws: Boyle's Law, Charles' Law, and Avogadro's Law. Boyle's Law states that the pressure and volume of a gas are inversely proportional, Charles' Law states that the volume and temperature are directly proportional, and Avogadro's Law states that the volume and amount of gas are directly proportional. When these laws are combined, the constant value of R is introduced to account for the relationship between all four variables.

3. What are the units of the constant value (R) in the General Gas Law?

The units of the constant value (R) in the General Gas Law depend on the units used for pressure (P), volume (V), temperature (T), and amount (n). However, the most commonly used unit for R is the ideal gas constant, which has a value of 0.0821 L·atm/mol·K when using pressure in atmospheres, volume in liters, temperature in Kelvin, and amount in moles.

4. How is the General Gas Law used in practical applications?

The General Gas Law has many practical applications, such as determining the volume of a gas at a given temperature and pressure, predicting the behavior of gases in chemical reactions, and calculating the amount of gas needed for a specific process. It is also commonly used in the study of thermodynamics and in the design of gas-powered engines.

5. What are the limitations of the General Gas Law?

The General Gas Law is based on certain assumptions, such as that the gas is an ideal gas, which means it follows the gas laws perfectly. In reality, most gases deviate from ideal behavior at high pressures or low temperatures. Additionally, the General Gas Law does not take into account intermolecular forces or the size of the gas molecules, which can affect the behavior of the gas. Therefore, it is not accurate in all situations and should be used with caution.

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