[Chemistry] Trying to find the vapor pressure of water with pv=nRT

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the vapor pressure of water at 70°C using the ideal gas law (PV=nRT). A student determined the number of moles of trapped air at 0.1°C and 750 torr, yielding 1 x 10^(-4) moles. Upon heating to 70°C, the total pressure calculated was 0.7 atm, which raised concerns as it was less than the previously calculated air pressure of 0.987 atm. The discrepancy highlights the importance of accurately distinguishing between partial pressure and total pressure in gas calculations.

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  • Understanding of the ideal gas law (PV=nRT)
  • Knowledge of unit conversions (torr to atm, mL to L)
  • Familiarity with temperature conversions (Celsius to Kelvin)
  • Basic principles of vapor pressure and gas mixtures
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  • Learn about the vapor pressure of water at various temperatures
  • Explore advanced applications of the ideal gas law in real-world scenarios
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RossH
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Homework Statement


A student found that at 750 torr atmospheric pressure and 0.1 deg C, the corrected volume of the trapped air (in a graduated cylinder filled with water inverted in beaker) was 2.20 mL. Under these conditions, how many moles of trapped air are present?

This student then heated the beaker and found that at 70 deg C, the corrected volume of the bubble was 4.05 mL. What should she report as the vappor pressure of water at this temperature?

My problem is that I am finding that pressure air, from the first part, exceed pressure total, from the second part.


Homework Equations


PV=nRT (ideal gas law)
R=0.082L*atm/K*mol


The Attempt at a Solution



Part 1: PV=nRT. 2.20 mL=0.0022 L. R as above. 750 torr=0.987 atm. 0.1 deg C=273.3K
0.987 atm*0.0022L = n moles*(0.082L*atm/(K*mol))*273.3K
solve for n. n=1*10^(-4) moles.

Part 2: PV=nRT.
P_air=0.987 atm.
4.05mL=0.00405 L.
n=1*10^(-4) moles.
P*0.00405L=0.0001 moles*0.082(L*atm/K*mol)*343.15K
Solve for P: P_total=0.7 atm.

How can P_total be less than P_air? I should be able to get the partial pressure of the water vapor at 70 deg C from this, but that would come out negative. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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What you have calculated is the pressure of air, not total pressure. Total is still 750 torr.

Don't round down intermediate results - that is, list them as rounded, but use them in calculations with full accuracy.
 

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