Ideal Gas Law: Solving for V with Constant R: Units L or m3?

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The discussion centers on the Ideal Gas Law and the determination of volume (V) units when using the gas constant R = 8.314 J·mol−1·K−1. Participants clarify that while R can be expressed in different units, the derived volume from the equation is in cubic meters (m³) when pressure is in Pascals (Pa) and temperature in Kelvin (K). The conversion of units confirms that 1 Pa equals 1 J/m³, leading to the conclusion that V must be in m³ rather than liters (L).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Ideal Gas Law
  • Familiarity with SI units, specifically pressure (Pa) and temperature (K)
  • Knowledge of unit conversions, particularly between J, N, and m³
  • Experience with gas constants, specifically R values in different unit systems
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  • Research the Ideal Gas Law and its applications in thermodynamics
  • Learn about unit conversions involving pressure and volume in gas laws
  • Explore the implications of using different R values, such as R = 0.0821 L-atm/(K-mol)
  • Study the relationship between energy units (Joules) and mechanical units (Newtons) in gas calculations
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Chemistry students, physicists, and engineers who require a solid understanding of gas laws and unit conversions in scientific calculations.

anisotropic
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When using the ideal gas law equation and solving for V, with constant R = 8.314 J·mol−1·K−1, what are the resultant units? L or m3?

I always remember it being in L, but wouldn't it be m3 based purely on the units being put into the equation?

Other units I'm using:

P: Pa (not kPa)
T: K
 
Last edited:
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m3

Trust your units :smile:

For L one uses 8.314x103
 
Borek said:
For L one uses 8.314x103
Alternatively, there's also the other commonly used unit system, seen in R=0.0821 L-atm/(K-mol)
 
anisotropic said:
When using the ideal gas law equation and solving for V, with constant R = 8.314 J·mol−1·K−1, what are the resultant units? L or m3?

I always remember it being in L, but wouldn't it be m3 based purely on the units being put into the equation?

Other units I'm using:

P: Pa (not kPa)
T: K


what you need to know to answer the question is that 1 Pa = 1 N/m^2 (Newton per meter squared) and that 1 N = 1 J/m so that 1 Pa = 1 J/m^3 which shows that V comes out in m^3
 

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