Do gases have a definite volume?

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between gas volume and container volume, specifically in regards to the gas law equation pV=nRT. It is possible for the calculated gas volume to be smaller than the container's volume, but this would require the gas to be kept at a higher pressure. Other variables, such as the number of moles, can also impact the calculated gas volume. However, the equation assumes an equilibrium situation where the gas has expanded to fill the entire container. Therefore, in most cases, gas volume and container volume are considered to be equal.
  • #1
mackygood
10
0
I've been told that gases take on the volume of whatever container they're in but what about Pv=Nrt ?

Would it be possible that the calculated V is smaller than the container's volume?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
That will mean gas is kept in higher pressure - but you can't keep higher pressure if gas is allowed to expand, which will happen if the container is larger.

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methods
 
  • #3
Couldn't other variables other than pressure have an impact on the calculated volume of the gas, like the number of moles?

thx
 
  • #4
They do, but they don't change anything.

pV=nRT describes the equilibrium situation, after known number of moles of gas (n) expanded to fill whole container (V). Expansion is fast, but not infinite, so it may happen that gas doesn't occupy whole volume of the container. However, it will not have a constant density then - and you will have troubles defining its volume (in other words - you will have troubles showing where the gas ends, where is the border).

--
methods
 
  • #5
So as far as I'm concerned, gas volume = container volume? :D
 
  • #6
Yes.

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methods
 
  • #7
thanks for all your time and help
 

1. Do all gases have a definite volume?

No, not all gases have a definite volume. Gases can expand or compress depending on external factors such as pressure and temperature.

2. What determines the volume of a gas?

The volume of a gas is determined by its container or the space it occupies. It can also be affected by changes in pressure and temperature.

3. Can gases be compressed to have a definite volume?

Yes, gases can be compressed to have a definite volume. This is often done with the use of high pressure and low temperature.

4. How does temperature affect the volume of a gas?

Temperature affects the volume of a gas through the kinetic energy of its molecules. As temperature increases, the molecules move faster and take up more space, resulting in an increase in volume.

5. Can gases have different volumes at the same pressure?

Yes, gases can have different volumes at the same pressure. This is because the volume of a gas is also influenced by the number of gas molecules present. A larger number of molecules will result in a larger volume at the same pressure.

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