Identify Gas based on Temperature and Speed of Sound

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying an unknown monatomic gas using its measured temperature and the speed of sound in the gas. Participants explore methods to derive the gas's properties, including its molecular and atomic mass.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using the ideal gas law to determine the mass of a single molecule or its molar mass as a starting point for identification.
  • Another participant acknowledges knowing how to calculate the molar mass but expresses uncertainty about how to relate it to the actual element.
  • Participants suggest external resources for further information on sound speed in gases and elemental properties.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the method to transition from molecular mass to atomic mass, and participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the identification process.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not clarify the assumptions underlying their calculations or the specific conditions of the gas being analyzed.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying gas properties, thermodynamics, or anyone involved in experimental physics related to gas identification.

infinitas
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So the question is, How would I go about identifying an unknown monatomic gas if you have measured its temperature and the speed of sound in the gas.

I was thinking of using the ideal gas law to determine mass of a single molecule in kilograms or its molar mass, then from there somehow calculate its atomic mass? Am I going in the right direction? If so, I'm not sure how to get from its molecular mass to its atomic mass.
 
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Use http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/Hbase/sound/souspe3.html" instead...
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Right. I know how to calculate M. The issue is getting from M to the actual element.
 
Use http://www.webelements.com/"
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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