Physical Chemistry-Gas Laws (Find R and M)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a homework problem from a physical chemistry text concerning the calculation of the gas constant R and the molar mass of oxygen (O2) using provided experimental data. The scope includes theoretical and mathematical reasoning related to gas laws.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant outlines their method for calculating R using the formula R = (Vm P) / T and extrapolating to find the y-intercept from a graph of pressure versus R.
  • The same participant expresses uncertainty about how to proceed with finding the molar mass of O2 without density data, suggesting the need for a graphical approach.
  • Another participant indicates they are unsure how to calculate molar mass from the given data and acknowledges the possibility of an error in the textbook or missing information.
  • A third participant notes that previous editions of the text included density data, raising the question of whether its omission in the current edition was intentional or an oversight.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on how to calculate the molar mass of O2 from the provided data, and there is uncertainty regarding the omission of density in the textbook.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations due to the lack of density information, which affects the ability to use certain equations for calculating molar mass.

bluegreen
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Thanks ahead of time for any help!

Homework Statement


From Atkins Physical Chemistry text, 9th Edition:
1.7b) The following data has been obtained for oxygen gas at 273.15 K. Calculate the best value of the gas constant R from them and the best value of the molar mass of O2 (oxygen).

p(in atm)
P1=0.750 000
P2= 0.500 000
P3=0.250 000

Vm [molar volume] (in dm^3/mol)
Vm1= 29.8649
Vm2=44.8090
Vm3=89.6384

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



To find R, I used R= (Vm P)/ T to find the different Rs for each set of data, then used y=mx+b (using data points [P, R]) to extrapolate back to when p=0 (when ideal gas is most accurate; so that means the y intercept which was equivalent to R).

I know you can just graph it and get the same result. Either way, I got R= 0.0820614 dm^3 atm/K mol.

Now I'm lost. How do I set it up to find molar mass? Do I extrapolate using a graph again? I'm not given density, so it throws a wrench in a lot of the equations I tried using, like:
Vm= M/ density = RT/P= V/n
 
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No idea - I can't think of any approach that will let calculate molar mass from the given data.

That's to let you know someone actually read your post and spend a moment thinking how to help.

It can always be an error in the book. I can be also missing something.
 
Thanks. I know that in the old editions, density is given, but density was omitted for the 9th edition. Not sure if it was a mistake or if it was to make the question trickier!
 
Must be mistake then.

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