Find Vol 2 in Ideal Gas Law Problem with V1 and V2 Open and V3 Shut

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating Vol 2 in an Ideal Gas Law problem where V1 is initially open, V2 is opened for pressure equalization, and V3 is subsequently opened. The formula used is PV = nRT, with temperature set at 25°C, but participants conclude that insufficient information is provided to determine Vol 2 due to the lack of final conditions. The presence of a mass flow controller (MFC) and pressure measurements before and after opening V3 are noted, but these do not resolve the ambiguity regarding Vol 2.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Ideal Gas Law (PV = nRT)
  • Knowledge of pressure measurement techniques, specifically using a capacitance manometer
  • Familiarity with mass flow controllers (MFC) and their role in gas flow systems
  • Ability to convert temperature to absolute scales (Kelvin or Rankine)
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of using a mass flow controller in gas measurement
  • Learn about pressure measurement techniques using capacitance manometers
  • Study the effects of temperature on gas volume calculations in the Ideal Gas Law
  • Investigate methods for determining final conditions in gas law problems
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in chemistry and engineering fields, particularly those working with gas laws, pressure measurements, and laboratory gas systems.

Catstranaughts
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Homework Statement
Find Volume of gasline: I have known pressure chamber (vacuum) that P= 1e-6 Torr. Volume is 101L. T = 25C. I can easily solve for n. But now I have a gasline with an unknown volume which I'm trying to calculate. I know the pressure of the gasline. but I also don't know the number of molecules in the gas line.
Relevant Equations
PV =nRT
Please refer to diagram. V1 is open initially then V2 is open for 5 minutes for pressure to equalize. V1 and V2 are then shut. V3 is opened. What is Vol 2 ? P(final)*V(final) = n(final)* R*T => (Vol1 + Vol2) = n(final)*R*25C/ 0.070 Torr where n(final) = n(Vol1) + n(Vol2)

If I shut V3, I can find the n(Vol 1), but i still don's know n(gasline) so I can't find Vol 2. Is there enough information given to solve this problem ?
 

Attachments

  • ideal gas law.JPG
    ideal gas law.JPG
    19 KB · Views: 252
Physics news on Phys.org
If I understand the problem statement, you are given all the conditions prior to opening V3 except Vol2, and no final conditions. If so, it is clear that there is insufficient information. You can make Vol2 whatever you like and no facts are violated.
Please check that no final conditions are given.
 
Just a note on your formula: PV = nRT. Make sure your temperature is absolute (either Kelvin or Rankine). Also, your units for volume and pressure should be consistent with the units for R.
 
haruspex said:
If I understand the problem statement, you are given all the conditions prior to opening V3 except Vol2, and no final conditions. If so, it is clear that there is insufficient information. You can make Vol2 whatever you like and no facts are violated.
Please check that no final conditions are given.
Thanks haruspex. This is in a lab. There is a mass flow controller in the gasline. But this leaves the volume measurement dependent upon the accuracy of the MFC and gas correction factor associated with it. Is there other information I can gather to help solve this ?

scottdave said:
Just a note on your formula: PV = nRT. Make sure your temperature is absolute (either Kelvin or Rankine). Also, your units for volume and pressure should be consistent with the units for R.
Thanks Dave, I'm converting to K and atm (and using liters)
 
Catstranaughts said:
This is in a lab.
So what measurements were taken after opening V3?
Catstranaughts said:
There is a mass flow controller in the gasline.
You'd need to explain to me what that does.
 
haruspex said:
So what measurements were taken after opening V3?
Pressure in the system by a capacitance manometer. Pressure before V3 is open: P(gasline) = 760 Torr. P(chamber = 1e-6 Torr). Pressure after V3 open: P Gasline = Pressure Chamber = 70mTorr.
You'd need to explain to me what that does.
For the test, the Mass Flow Controller was programmed to max value to fully open needle valve. There is also a V4 that is opened (that bypasses the MFC)
 
Catstranaughts said:
Pressure after V3 open: P Gasline = Pressure Chamber = 70mTorr.
That seems to be the missing info.
One more detail... is this after temperatures have returned to 25C?
 

Similar threads

Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K