SUMMARY
The density of oxygen at standard temperature and pressure (STP) can be calculated using the ideal gas law, represented by the equation PV=nRT. For oxygen (O2), the molar mass is 32 g/mol, and the appropriate gas constant R is 8.315 J/(mol·K). When substituting the correct values, including converting pressure from atm to pascals (1 atm = 101,325 Pa), the calculated density of oxygen at STP is 1.43 kg/m³. The initial calculation of 0.007 g/m³ was incorrect due to unit mismanagement and incorrect molar mass usage.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of the ideal gas law (PV=nRT)
- Knowledge of unit conversions (atm to pascals)
- Familiarity with molar mass calculations (O2 = 32 g/mol)
- Basic algebra for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
- Learn about unit conversions in gas law calculations
- Study the ideal gas constant and its various values
- Explore the concept of molar mass and its significance in gas density calculations
- Investigate common mistakes in applying the ideal gas law
USEFUL FOR
Chemistry students, educators, and anyone involved in gas law applications or density calculations will benefit from this discussion.