Physical Chemistry- Partial Pressures

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion revolves around a homework problem from CHE345, where a student decomposes KCLO3 and collects 35.2 cm³ of O2 over water at 23.0°C. The total pressure is measured at 751 Torr, with a water vapor pressure of 21.1 Torr. The student correctly calculates the partial pressure of O2 as 729.9 Torr and uses the ideal gas law (PV = nRT) to find the number of moles of O2, ultimately determining that the volume of oxygen at 0.0°C and 1.2 atm (912 Torr) is 25.98 cm³. The discussion highlights the importance of verifying calculations to ensure accuracy.

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  • Knowledge of partial pressures and vapor pressure concepts
  • Familiarity with unit conversions (e.g., Torr to atm)
  • Basic arithmetic and algebra skills for solving equations
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PerenialQuest
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Hello all,
This is a homework problem for my CHE345 class. Not sure what to do here, please at least let me know if I'm in the right ballpark.

Homework Statement



A student decomposes KCLO3 and collects 35.2 cm^3 of O2 over water at 23.0°C. The laboratory barometer reads 751 Torr. The vapor pressure of water at 23.0°C is 21.1 Torr. Find the volume the oxygen would occupy at 0.0*C and 1.2atm (= 912 Torr).

Homework Equations


not exactly sure what is relevant here. Perhaps these:
(1) PV = nRT
(2) Pj = partial pressure
(3) xj = mole fraction
(4) Pj = xjP
(5) Pj = njRT/V
(6) Ptotal = PA + PB +...

The Attempt at a Solution


My problem I think, is in interpreting the question, but here goes an attempt:

using eq. (6):
Ptotal = Pwater + PO2
751 Torr = 21.1 Torr + PO2
PO2 = 729.9

from here I'll use eq. (1) to solve for nO2
PV = nRT
n = PV/RT
n = (729.9 Torr)(0.0352 L)/(62.634 L Torr K-1mol-1)(296.15 K)
n = 1.385 x 10-4

Now to solve for the V at Tfinal

V = nRT/P
V = (1.385E-4 moles)(62.634 L Torr K-1mol-1)(273.15 K) / 912 Torr)
V = 0.002598 L = 2.598cm3

How'd I do?
 
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PerenialQuest said:
Hello all,
This is a homework problem for my CHE345 class. Not sure what to do here, please at least let me know if I'm in the right ballpark.

Homework Statement



A student decomposes KCLO3 and collects 35.2 cm^3 of O2 over water at 23.0°C. The laboratory barometer reads 751 Torr. The vapor pressure of water at 23.0°C is 21.1 Torr. Find the volume the oxygen would occupy at 0.0*C and 1.2atm (= 912 Torr).

Homework Equations


not exactly sure what is relevant here. Perhaps these:
(1) PV = nRT
(2) Pj = partial pressure
(3) xj = mole fraction
(4) Pj = xjP
(5) Pj = njRT/V
(6) Ptotal = PA + PB +...

The Attempt at a Solution


My problem I think, is in interpreting the question, but here goes an attempt:

using eq. (6):
Ptotal = Pwater + PO2
751 Torr = 21.1 Torr + PO2
PO2 = 729.9

from here I'll use eq. (1) to solve for nO2
PV = nRT
n = PV/RT
n = (729.9 Torr)(0.0352 L)/(62.634 L Torr K-1mol-1)(296.15 K)
n = 1.385 x 10-4

Now to solve for the V at Tfinal

V = nRT/P
V = (1.385E-4 moles)(62.634 L Torr K-1mol-1)(273.15 K) / 912 Torr)
V = 0.002598 L = 2.598cm3

How'd I do?

You made an arithmetic error in calculating the number of moles. The pressures and temperatures in the two situations are not too different, and, if the volume was much less than 35.2 cc, this should have alerted you that there was an arithmetic mistake somewhere. Try to get used to asking yourself whether your answer makes sense.
 
Chestermiller said:
You made an arithmetic error in calculating the number of moles. The pressures and temperatures in the two situations are not too different, and, if the volume was much less than 35.2 cc, this should have alerted you that there was an arithmetic mistake somewhere. Try to get used to asking yourself whether your answer makes sense.

1. Homework Statement

A student decomposes KCLO3 and collects 35.2 cm^3 of O2 over water at 23.0°C. The laboratory barometer reads 751 Torr. The vapor pressure of water at 23.0°C is 21.1 Torr. Find the volume the oxygen would occupy at 0.0*C and 1.2atm (= 912 Torr).

2. Homework Equations
not exactly sure what is relevant here. Perhaps these:
(1) PV = nRT
(2) Pj = partial pressure
(3) xj = mole fraction
(4) Pj = xjP
(5) Pj = njRT/V
(6) Ptotal = PA + PB +...

3. The Attempt at a Solution
My problem I think, is in interpreting the question, but here goes an attempt:

using eq. (6):
Ptotal = Pwater + PO2
751 Torr = 21.1 Torr + PO2
PO2 = 729.9

from here I'll use eq. (1) to solve for nO2
PV = nRT
n = PV/RT
n = (729.9 Torr)(0.0352 L)/(62.634 L Torr K-1mol-1)(296.15 K)
n = 1.385 x 10-3

Now to solve for the V at Tfinal

V = nRT/P
V = (1.385E-3 moles)(62.634 L Torr K-1mol-1)(273.15 K) / 912 Torr)
V = 0.02598 L = 25.98cm3

Ah yes, thank you, I missed a digit. That better? Did I go about the problem correctly?
 
Yes. Nice job.
 

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