Are My Calculations for Gas Partial Pressures Correct?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a gas laws problem involving the calculation of partial pressures for Hydrogen and Nitrogen gases given their quantities and total pressure. Participants explore methods for solving the problem, including the ideal gas law and the concept of mole fractions.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a detailed calculation using the ideal gas law to find the partial pressures of Hydrogen and Nitrogen, initially arriving at different values than expected.
  • Another participant suggests that the calculations may contain rounding errors and encourages looking for a simpler method.
  • A participant expresses frustration over the complexity of their approach and requests further assistance.
  • A reminder is issued by a participant about an upcoming test, emphasizing the urgency for help.
  • One participant proposes a straightforward method to calculate partial pressures using mole fractions, stating that it can be derived from the ideal gas law.
  • A later reply indicates that the simpler method has been understood by the original poster.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that there is a simpler method to calculate the partial pressures, but there is no consensus on the correctness of the original calculations or the specific values derived.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects uncertainty regarding the accuracy of the initial calculations and the potential for rounding errors. The reliance on different methods and the need for clarification on the ideal gas law and mole fractions are also noted.

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Gas laws problem

2.44e23 molecules of Hydrogen and 3.0 molecules of Nitrogen are together exerting a pressure of 620. kPa. what is the partial pressure of each gas?
Ans:H_2 = 278 kPa, N_2 = 342 kPa

so basically the way i though of solving this was to use the ideal gas law being:

[tex]PV=nRT[/tex]

i kept the temperature constant at 273 K. then i found the total amount of moles by adding the # of molecules and dividing by 6.02e23:

[tex]\frac{2.44e23+3.0e23}{6.02e23}=\sim 0.90 mol[/tex]

so then i asked myself: at constant temperature, what would be the total volume these gases would occupy at 620 kPa and 0.90 mol. so i solved:

[tex]620x=0.90*8.31*273[/tex]

[tex]x\sim 3.29_L[/tex]

so now i took hydrogen, at constant temperature, occuping a volume of 3.29 L, how much pressure would it exert? 2.44e23 is 0.41 mol so..

[tex]3.29x=0.41*8.31*273[/tex]

[tex]x\sim 282.7_{kPa}[/tex]

so now by law of partial pressures 620-282.7=337.3 kPa
so my answer is:

[tex]H_2 = 282.7_{kPa}[/tex]

[tex]N_2 = 337.3_{kPa}[/tex]

i got it wrong, i think I am overcomplicating things, could some1 help me out?

thnx
 
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You didn't got it wrong. There is some round off error, because you did it the "long" way.

Try to look it over again and see if you can find an easier way. If you can't see it, let us know and we'll help out.
 
i knew i was doing too much, before i posted it i had been looking and looking for an easier way n i really feel like I am missing it, some help would be great.
 
just a reminder
i have a test monday so some help would be greatly apreciated
 
The simple way to find the partial pressure of each component is to multiply the total pressure by the mole fraction. Thus [tex]n = n_1 + n2[/tex] and so [tex]P_1 = \frac{n_1}{n} P[/tex] and [tex]P_2 = \frac{n_2}{n} P[/tex]. This formula can be derived using the ideal gas law applied to the gas of [tex]n_1[/tex], the gas of [tex]n_2[/tex], and finally the gas of [tex]n_1 + n_2[/tex]. Each of these applications is valid because no one "sees" anyone else, everybody is ideal.

[tex] P_1 V = n_1 R T[/tex]

[tex] P_2 V = n_2 R T[/tex]

[tex] P V = (n_1 + n_2) R T[/tex]
 
thanks man, i see it
 

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