Finding the exerting forces in a container

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The discussion centers on calculating the force exerted by gas in a sealed cubical container. The container's volume is determined to be 0.008 m³, and the gas contains three times Avogadro's number of molecules. The confusion arises regarding the number of moles (n) used in the equation, with the lecturer indicating that n should be 3, not 3n, as one mole corresponds to Avogadro's number. This clarification helps resolve the misunderstanding about the relationship between molecules and moles. The participants conclude that the initial interpretation of the problem was incorrect.
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Homework Statement


A sealed cubical container 20.0 cm on a side contains three times Avogadro’s number of molecules at a temperature of 20.0°C. Find the force exerted by the gas on one of the walls of the container.

Homework Equations


PV=nRT
P=F/A

The Attempt at a Solution


Hello people, here is what I understands from the question

V=(0.2)^3
PV=3*n*R*(20+273K)
P*(0.2)^3=3*n*8.31*(293)
P=(7304.49n)/(0.2)^3
P=913061.25n

This is where I don't understands, according to the answer shown by the lecturer, he uses n=3 instead of 3n (which is what I've suggested). Can someone show me why is this?

thanks,
Phil
 
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Philip Wong said:

Homework Statement


A sealed cubical container 20.0 cm on a side contains three times Avogadro’s number of molecules at a temperature of 20.0°C. Find the force exerted by the gas on one of the walls of the container.


Homework Equations


PV=nRT
P=F/A


The Attempt at a Solution


Hello people, here is what I understands from the question

V=(0.2)^3
PV=3*n*R*(20+273K)
P*(0.2)^3=3*n*8.31*(293)
P=(7304.49n)/(0.2)^3
P=913061.25n

This is where I don't understands, according to the answer shown by the lecturer, he uses n=3 instead of 3n (which is what I've suggested). Can someone show me why is this?

thanks,
Phil

Hi Phil! :smile:

The question has given you that the number of molecules in the container is three times the Avogadro number, and one mole is equivalent to Avogadro's number of molecules. So, how many moles totally? :wink:
 
Infinitum said:
Hi Phil! :smile:

The question has given you that the number of molecules in the container is three times the Avogadro number, and one mole is equivalent to Avogadro's number of molecules. So, how many moles totally? :wink:


oh right. got it.

thanks!
 
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