Ideal gas law - isovolumetric problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving an isovolumetric problem using the Ideal Gas Law, specifically determining the new absolute pressure (p_2) of a gas sample when its temperature increases from 20°C to 40°C. The relevant equation is PV = nRT, with R being the gas constant (8.314). The correct relationship derived shows that p_2 can be expressed as p_2 = p_1 * (T_2/T_1), leading to p_2 = p_1 * (313/293). The error in the initial calculation was due to incorrectly using 292 instead of 293 in the denominator.

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  • Knowledge of temperature conversion from Celsius to Kelvin (K = C + 273.15)
  • Familiarity with isovolumetric processes in thermodynamics
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations and ratios
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  • Practice solving problems involving gas laws with varying temperature and pressure
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portofino
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Homework Statement



A gas sample enclosed in a rigid metal container at room temperature (20 C) has an absolute pressure p_1. The container is immersed in hot water until it warms to 40 C. What is the new absolute pressure p_2?

Express your answer in terms of p_1

Homework Equations



PV = nRT where P is pressure in pascals, V is volume, n is the number of moles, R is constant = 8.314, T is temperature in kelvin

convert celsius to kelvin
K=C+273.15 where K is temp in kelvin, and C is temp in celsius

The Attempt at a Solution



since this problem is isovolumetric, the volume remains constant.

p_1 = nRT_1/V where T_1 = 20C = 293 K assuming n,R,V are constant

p_2 = nRT_2/V where T_2 = 40C = 313 K assuming n, R, V are constant

how do i put p_2 in terms of p_1, do i just solve p_1 in terms of say V and substitute it in for V in the p_2 equation?

doing so i get:

V =nRT_1/p_1 = 293/p_1 asuming n and R are constant

thus substituting V for V in the p_2 equation i get:

p_2 = nRT_2/V = 313/(292/p_1) = 313p_1/292

is that correct? I'm almost certain it is not correct.
 
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portofino said:

Homework Statement



A gas sample enclosed in a rigid metal container at room temperature (20 C) has an absolute pressure p_1. The container is immersed in hot water until it warms to 40 C. What is the new absolute pressure p_2?

Express your answer in terms of p_1

Homework Equations



PV = nRT where P is pressure in pascals, V is volume, n is the number of moles, R is constant = 8.314, T is temperature in kelvin

convert celsius to kelvin
K=C+273.15 where K is temp in kelvin, and C is temp in celsius

The Attempt at a Solution



since this problem is isovolumetric, the volume remains constant.

p_1 = nRT_1/V where T_1 = 20C = 293 K assuming n,R,V are constant

p_2 = nRT_2/V where T_2 = 40C = 313 K assuming n, R, V are constant

how do i put p_2 in terms of p_1, do i just solve p_1 in terms of say V and substitute it in for V in the p_2 equation?

doing so i get:

V =nRT_1/p_1 = 293/p_1 asuming n and R are constant

thus substituting V for V in the p_2 equation i get:

p_2 = nRT_2/V = 313/(292/p_1) = 313p_1/292

is that correct? I'm almost certain it is not correct.

That looks right. For such a question though - where you have an isobaric or isothermal you can just use the simple ratio. (You can always divide an equation by an equation.)

\frac{P_1V_1}{P_2V_2} = \frac{nrT_1}{nrT_2}

In your case it Volume stays the same n the same and r the same so:

\frac{P_1}{P_2} = \frac{T_1}{T_2} = \frac{293}{313}
 
Another way to set it up, and which may be easier to remember, is to solve the ideal gas equation for R:

<br /> R = \frac{P_1 V_1}{n_1 T_1} = \frac{P_2 V_2}{n_2 T_2}<br />

or in other words

<br /> \frac{P_1 V_1}{n_1 T_1} = \frac{P_2 V_2}{n_2 T_2}<br />

Then you cancel all the quantities that are equal (in this case V and n) and go from there.
 
the thing is when tried (313p_1)/292, it was incorrect and it stated that "your answer either contains an incorrect numerical multiplier or is missing one."

noticed how i entered the denominator as 292 as opposed to 293, would that be the reason why it is incorrect?
 
It is incorrect by a very small amount, 0.3%. Why don't you try with the correct numbers and see what happens? Also, you could try dividing 313/293 on a calculator, and use that number times p_1.
 
yes i tried it with 293 as the denominator. it was correct

thanks for your help
 

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