Calculating Number Density of Gas Molecules

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the number density (N/V) of gas molecules in a closed vessel under specific conditions. The ideal gas law, represented by the equation pV = Nk = 1.3806503(24) × 10-23 J K-1T, is utilized to derive the number density. The user initially calculated N/V as 3.45 × 1020 molecules, while the correct answer is 3.5 × 1025 molecules per cubic meter. The discrepancy arises from unit conversion errors and misunderstanding of the relationship between moles and molecules.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the ideal gas law
  • Knowledge of unit conversions between moles and molecules
  • Familiarity with Avogadro's number
  • Basic thermodynamics concepts related to pressure and temperature
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the ideal gas law in detail, focusing on its applications and limitations
  • Learn about unit conversions in chemistry, specifically between moles and molecules
  • Explore Avogadro's number and its significance in gas calculations
  • Investigate the relationship between pressure, volume, and temperature in thermodynamic systems
USEFUL FOR

Students studying chemistry, particularly those focusing on gas laws, as well as educators and anyone involved in teaching or learning about thermodynamics and molecular density calculations.

Chase11
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Homework Statement


What is the number density, N/V, of gas molecules in the closed vessel in the previous problem?

(Previous problem: A closed vessel contains an ideal gas at an absolute pressure of 1.5 atm and a termperature of 42 degrees celsius. To what final temperature (in °C) must the gas be heated so its final pressure is 2.0 atm?


Homework Equations



pV=Nk\ =\ 1.3806503(24)\ \times\ 10^{-23}\ J\ K^{-1}T

The Attempt at a Solution


From the previous problem I have p=2.0 atm, T=420K and reorganizing the equation I get N/V=p/k\ =\ 1.3806503(24)\ \times\ 10^{-23}\ J\ K^{-1}T

so N/V=2.0atm/k\ =\ 1.3806503(24)\ \times\ 10^{-23}\ J\ K^{-1}(420K) = 3.45x10^20. The answer is supposed to be 3.5x10^25. I cannot figure out why I am getting the wrong answer, can anybody shed some light on this?
 
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Have you checked the units of the quantities you have plugged into your formula?
 
Chase11 said:

Homework Statement


What is the number density, N/V, of gas molecules in the closed vessel in the previous problem?

(Previous problem: A closed vessel contains an ideal gas at an absolute pressure of 1.5 atm and a termperature of 42 degrees celsius. To what final temperature (in °C) must the gas be heated so its final pressure is 2.0 atm?


Homework Equations



pV=Nk\ =\ 1.3806503(24)\ \times\ 10^{-23}\ J\ K^{-1}T

The Attempt at a Solution


From the previous problem I have p=2.0 atm, T=420K and reorganizing the equation I get N/V=p/k\ =\ 1.3806503(24)\ \times\ 10^{-23}\ J\ K^{-1}T

so N/V=2.0atm/k\ =\ 1.3806503(24)\ \times\ 10^{-23}\ J\ K^{-1}(420K) = 3.45x10^20. The answer is supposed to be 3.5x10^25. I cannot figure out why I am getting the wrong answer, can anybody shed some light on this?
At the initial conditions, I get a molar density of 0.0581 moles/liter. Multiplying this by avagodro's number, I get 3.5 x 1022 molecules/liter. Per cubic meter, this is 3.5 x 1025 molecules. The same result is obtained at the final conditions.

Chet
 

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