Finding the exerting forces in a container

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the force exerted by gas in a sealed cubical container measuring 20.0 cm per side, containing three times Avogadro's number of molecules at 20.0°C. The relevant equations used are the Ideal Gas Law (PV=nRT) and the relationship between pressure and force (P=F/A). The confusion arises from the interpretation of the number of moles (n), where the lecturer clarifies that n should equal 3, not 3n, as three times Avogadro's number corresponds to three moles.

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  • Understanding of the Ideal Gas Law (PV=nRT)
  • Knowledge of pressure and force relationship (P=F/A)
  • Basic concepts of moles and Avogadro's number
  • Ability to perform calculations involving volume and temperature in gas laws
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  • Review the Ideal Gas Law and its applications in various scenarios
  • Study the concept of moles and how to convert between molecules and moles
  • Explore real-world applications of gas laws in engineering and physics
  • Learn about the implications of gas behavior under different temperature and pressure conditions
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Students studying chemistry or physics, particularly those focusing on thermodynamics and gas laws, as well as educators explaining the Ideal Gas Law and its applications.

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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


[itex]PV=nRT[/itex]
[itex]P=F/A[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


Hello people, here is what I understands from the question

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

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


[itex]PV=nRT[/itex]
[itex]P=F/A[/itex]


The Attempt at a Solution


Hello people, here is what I understands from the question

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

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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