Determining concentration by measuring pressure change

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving an equation to calculate concentration from pressure change in a known volume, utilizing the ideal gas law (pV = NkT) and mass volume rate (Q = Fp = d(pV)/dt). The user attempts to manipulate the equations but struggles to arrive at the correct concentration value, indicating a potential misunderstanding of the relationship between the number of molecules and concentration. The key takeaway is that dividing by the known volume V is essential to convert the number of molecules into concentration, which the user initially overlooked.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the ideal gas law (pV = NkT)
  • Familiarity with mass volume rate (Q = Fp = d(pV)/dt)
  • Basic knowledge of calculus for differentiation
  • Concept of concentration in terms of number of molecules per volume
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the ideal gas law and its applications
  • Learn about volumetric flow rate and its impact on concentration calculations
  • Explore advanced calculus techniques for manipulating differential equations
  • Investigate methods for measuring concentration in gas systems
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, chemical engineers, and researchers involved in gas concentration measurements and related calculations.

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Homework Statement


Derive an equation how one can calculate concentration by measuring pressure change in a known volume.

Known data:
Pressure change dp/dt in a known volume V, volumetric flow rate F, total pressure p and temperature T.


Homework Equations


Probably ideal gas law pV=NkT and mass volume rate (throughput) Q=Fp=d(pV)/dt



The Attempt at a Solution


Not really sure how to solve this since this was not an textbook question but actual measurment so I'm not sure about the needed equations. But I would start:

d(pV)/dt=V*dp/dt=Q=Fp (since V is constant)

=> V*dp/dt=(Nkt/p)*(dp/dt)=Fp

=>N=(Fp^2/kT)*(dt/dp)

But doing so I end up with number of molecules and not concentration. This could easily be solved by dividing with known volume V but for some reason I won't get right numerical concentration (in measurments computer program calculated the concentration automatically from known data).
 
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Was there some information missing or is this just too simple so people won't bother =D

Somehow my solution just doesn't seem right. Is it ok to take out the V from d(pV)/dt and then substitute with NkT/p?
 

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