Calculate Mass of Nitrogen in 2.5 atm, 0.2 m3, 300C

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The discussion revolves around calculating the mass of nitrogen gas given its pressure, volume, and temperature. The ideal gas law (PV=nRT) is used to find the number of moles, but participants are struggling with the calculations, particularly the value of the gas constant R and whether the pressure is absolute or gauge. Multiple attempts yield varying results, with one participant consistently arriving at around 298 grams, which does not match the provided answer options. There is confusion regarding the molar mass of nitrogen and the significant figures in the problem, leading to uncertainty about the correct answer. The consensus suggests that the problem may contain ambiguities or errors that hinder finding a definitive solution.
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Homework Statement


. A nitrogen in the container (molar mass is 28 g/mol) has a pressure of 2.5 atm, a volume of 0.2 m3, and a temperature of 300C. What is the mass of the nitrogen?

A. 125 g
B. 258 g
C. 421 g
D. 582 g
E. 864 g


Homework Equations


I'll show you EXACTLY what i am doing:


The Attempt at a Solution



so first i must find moles, since moles times molar mass = the mass. (is that correct??)

so n(moles)= PV/RT (

P=2.5 atm = 101325*2.5= 253312.5
V= .2 m^3
R= 0.0821 a constant
T= 300C = 573.15K

so 253312.5 * .2 / 0.0821 * 573.15 = moles

= 50662.5/ 47.1

=1075.63 = moles

the molar mass is 28g/mol
so 1075.63 * 28 grams=
30117.6

not an answer.

i have no idea what i am doing wrong, this whole class is finished today. i really need some help and an idea of what exactly i am doing wrong.
 
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R is 8.314 J/mol/K, so your number of moles calculated is too large.
 


i was about to post that R= 8.315 J/mol.K , and the entire time (til just now) I've been using R= 8.315 J/mol.K ) but i thought id try soemthing else,
so with either R i haven't been able to come up with anything. i mea, if you solve it are you getting a correct answeR? is it working for you and maybe my calculations are off? or have i input something wrong. when i use R=8.315 J/mol.K i keep gettin 297 grams.
 


teggenspiller said:
i was about to post that R= 8.315 J/mol.K , and the entire time (til just now) I've been using R= 8.315 J/mol.K ) but i thought id try soemthing else,
so with either R i haven't been able to come up with anything. i mea, if you solve it are you getting a correct answeR? is it working for you and maybe my calculations are off? or have i input something wrong. when i use R=8.315 J/mol.K i keep gettin 297 grams.

I see 297.7 grams for the mass. Is that not correct? If it is not, then perhaps the pressure is gauge pressure and not absolute pressure? Did the problem specify?
 


oh yes perhaps. let me see...
so gauge pressure means 1atm+2.5 atm= 354637.5

*.2 = 70927.5
/ (8.31*573.15) = 14.89Do you think i should contact my teacher? perhaps maybe the solutionn isn't an option?
 


teggenspiller said:
oh yes perhaps. let me see...
so gauge pressure means 1atm+2.5 atm= 354637.5

*.2 = 70927.5
/ (8.31*573.15) = 14.89


Do you think i should contact my teacher? perhaps maybe the solutionn isn't an option?

Well, as I said, assuming that the given pressure is absolute pressure, I calculated about 298 grams for the mass.

I notice that the value for the volume is given to only one significant figure. Perhaps the answer needs to be specified with a corresponding accuracy: 300 grams.
 


not an answer. either.
 


or perhaps the molar mass of nitrogen is wrong? i searched google and see that 14.01g/mol is molarmass of nitrogen..
 


teggenspiller said:
or perhaps the molar mass of nitrogen is wrong? i searched google and see that 14.01g/mol is molarmass of nitrogen..

That's for monatimic Nitrogen, N. Nitrogen gas is N2, twice that.
 
  • #10


bummer. I think i might just have to guess on this one.
 
  • #11


298 g no matter how you try. Even assuming 3.5 atm (2.5 + 1) or 300 K (possible typo) neither of the answers given fits.

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