Calculate Number of Molecules in 1m^3 Air at STP

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To calculate the number of molecules in 1 m³ of air at STP, the ideal gas law PV = NkT is used, where P is pressure (1 atm or 101.3 kPa), V is volume (1 m³), T is temperature (273 K), and k is the Boltzmann constant. The correct value for k should be the universal gas constant R = 8.314 J/(mol·K) for proper unit cancellation. The calculation initially confused moles and molecules, but it's clarified that N represents the number of molecules, requiring conversion from moles. The discussion emphasizes the importance of using consistent units for accurate results. Ultimately, understanding the correct constants and units is crucial for solving the problem.
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Air at STP has pressure p = 1 atm = 1.013 ×105 Pa, and temperature T = 273 K. Use the ideal gas law to determine the number of molecules in a cubic meter of air.

I have tried many different numbers and can't seem to get the correct answer. I guess I should use the formula

PV = NkT

so
P = 1 atm or 101.3 kPa? i tried both
V = 1 m^3 or 1000 L? also tried both
T = 273 K
k = 8.617385 x 10-5 eV/K?

so (101.3 kPa)(1000 L) = N (8.617385 x 10-5 eV/K)(273 K)

do you see what i am doing wrong?

Thanks
 
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For these units, use k=universal gas constant=R=8.314. I forget the units, but they cancel properly for kPa, L, moles, and Kelvin in the formula. Also remember that when you find N, that is the amount in moles (you must convert to molecules).
 
no, nRT would give me moles, NkT gives me molecules
 
nvm you were right, i got wrong info off a webpage

thanks a ton
 
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