How Do You Calculate the Mass Concentration of N2O in Air?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the mass concentration of N2O in air, given a mixing ratio of 311 ppb at standard atmospheric conditions (1 atm and 298 K). Participants are exploring the relationships between pressure, volume, temperature, and concentration in the context of gas laws.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants present various methods for calculating the mass concentration, including using the ideal gas law and manipulating equations related to density and concentration. Some express difficulty in following the original poster's notation and suggest alternative approaches.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes multiple attempts to verify the calculations presented. Some participants provide similar methods for arriving at the density of N2O, while others question the clarity of the original equations. There is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the calculations, but several participants engage with the problem constructively.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of clarity in presenting mathematical work, suggesting that the use of LaTeX or clearer formatting may facilitate better understanding and responses. The original poster seeks verification of their calculations, indicating a focus on accuracy and understanding rather than simply obtaining an answer.

Nimmy
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Please check if right.

Determine the mass concentration for N20 at a mixing ratio of 311 ppb at P = 1 atm, T= 298 K.

My work

#density of N20 = Concentration of N20 * #density air

PV = #moles of air R T

PV/RT = # moles of air

PV/RT = Numberofmolecules/Avagardo # = #moles of air

PV*Avagardo#/RT = Number of molecules of air = # density of air * V

# density of air = P*Avagardo's #/RT

So...

#Densityof N20 = Concentration of N20* P*Avagardo #/RT

DensityofN20 = # density of N20* Molar mass N20/Avagardo's #

DensityofN20 = P*Avagardo's #*Concentration of N20/(RT *molar mass of N20/Avagardo's #)

Avagardo's # cancels out leaving:

Density of N20 = P*Concentration of N20*Molar Mass of N20/(RT)

Now plugging in the numbers lead to

Density of N20 = (1 atm)*(1.101325*10^5 Pa/atm)*(311*10^-9 mol/mol)*(46.00 g/mol) /((8.314 J/mol K)*298 K) = 0.0006 g/m^3

Is this correct step and answer? If so where is the error? Just needs to be verified. Thanks.
 
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I tried to read your post several times but it is too annoying trying to follow the equations written out like that and I'm lazy.

I'd approach this by PV = NkT
take a billion particles of ideal gas, everything except volume is a given.
You are given 331 of these particles are N2O so just multiply 331 particles per volume by the mass per particle of N2O and you have your answer.

You might have done it right too there are several ways to calculate but I don't think you're going to get much of a response unless you enter your work via LaTex or scan in something hand written.
 
Much better now?

Let's try this.

Please check if right.

Determine the mass concentration for N20 at a mixing ratio of 311 ppb at P = 1 atm, T= 298 K.

My work

nd N20= CN20 * ndair

P*V = nmoles air* R * T

(P*V)/(RT) = nmoles air

(P*V)/(R*T) = N molecules air/Av = nmoles air

(P*V*Av)/(R*T) = N molecules air= ndair * V

ndair= (P*Av)/(RT)

So...

ndN20 = CN20* (P*Av/RT)

ρN20 = ndN20* (MN20/Av)

ρN20= ((P*Av*CN20)/(RT *MN20/Av))

Avagardo's # cancels out leaving:

ρN20= (P*CN20*MN20/(R*T))

Now plugging in the numbers lead to

ρN20= (1 atm)*(1.101325*10^5 Pa/atm)*(311*10^-9 mol/mol)*(46.00 g/mol) /((8.314 J/mol K)*298 K) = 0.0006 g/m^3

Is this correct step and answer? If so where is the error? Just needs to be verified. Thanks.
 
Find the moles/liter of air (p/RT). Multiply by the mixing ratio to get the moles/liter of N2O. Multiply by the molecular weight of N2O to get the density of N2O.
 
Chestermiller said:
Find the moles/liter of air (p/RT). Multiply by the mixing ratio to get the moles/liter of N2O. Multiply by the molecular weight of N2O to get the density of N2O.

Perfect that matches with what I wrote it seems. Thanks. :)
 

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